NATIVE LANDS ADMINISTRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIII, Issue 106, 22 May 1901, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS ADMINISTRATION.

In connection wrh the takgrara published yesterday morning regarding the election of thi-fe members of the Maori Council, there were p lling ptac s throughout the diskiiit, which oxtoods from New Plymouth to Wellington, embracing all the country oj this side of the rang'S. Following are tha details of the 3186 votes recorded : —Takaraagi Mete Kingi 678, Wait* Wiremu Hipango 516, Te Aoban Nikitini 448, Wiremu Ngapaki 398, Hokioga te Wheni 292, Itore Rmgiheuwea 229, Eopiha Raogihaukore 165, Eakiwhati Peefci te Aweawe 157, Tcone Teehi 119, Te Weraroi Kingi Arapeti 95, Wiromu te Wiriwehi 89.

The elction was hsld under th'i provisions of the M;mri Lands Ad-minit-ti&tion Act of list i'e?Bipn, the oHject of which measure is to provido for the better settlement and irilisation of the large artas of land (about fiva mi'lion acres) at present lying unoccupied and unproductive, and for the encouragement aad promotion of the Maori in effor' s of industry and selfhelp.

There are six Maori Lind Districts in the North Island, and for each district a Miori Council, coifisting of seven members, thrte to be elected by the Maoris, three to be appointed by the Grvernor (one of whom must be a Maori), and a president to be appointed by the Governor. The Council in respect of ell Maori lands exe'cis-.-s the same powers as are now possessed by the Native Land Court.

I Included.in the Act are provisions 'setting forth that Maori land snill not be alienated.by way of lease, either to the Crown or to any other person, *xoept with the consent of this Council; no European can acquire land eycept for his own use, and on c mdition that he does not hold or own more than 640 acres of first-class or 2000 acres of second-class land.

Tbe Act also provides that the Council Rball proceed at once to asc. rtain and determine wbat lard each Maori man, wom/.M or child has f-uitabl« for hi?, her, or its occupation and support, dotfrmire bow much thrreof is necessary to be set a'ido for each men Maori for his or her maintenance and support, and such laud shall be absolutely una'ienable. i