THE LAND COMISSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8747, 22 February 1907, Page 2

THE LAND COMISSION.

Per Press Association. W 4130 a, February 21. During the last few days Messrs Ngata and Fraser have met the native owners of largo blocks lying between Napier and Gisborne. The scope of the powers of the Commission has been fully explained to the natives, and there seems to be a keen and lively interest taken. Judging from results so far the natives seem anxious to assist in throwing open their lands for settlement, and only want some little Government encouragement to make them take up extensive areas themselves. Mr Ngata leaves overland for Napier to-day, and on bis way will address meetings of natives in connection with the IVaihua and Mobaka blocks at Mohaka. The Chief Justice arrives at Napier this evening and will be joined by Mr Ngata to-morrow. A sitting of the Commission will be held on Monday in Napier, .when probably a programme will be drawn np which will embrace a personal visit to all native blocks available for settlement between Napier and Wairoa and Gisborne, and possibly north of Gisbome._ I* can be safely said that so far the natives have a friendly feeling towards the powers conferred on the Commission.