LAND FOR RETURNED MAORIS

Taranaki Daily News, 5 October 1916, Page 8

LAND FOR RETURNED MAORIS

GIFT OF 25,301 ACRES. By Telegraph Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. Herries has received the following .telegram from the Hon. Pomare from Tokaanu on October 3rd: "I conferred with a representative gathering of Tuwharetoae at Waihi, Tokaanu, yesterday, when, it was decided by Te Meuheu Tukino, Kingi Topia, and Tuwharetoa and the Tuwharetoa tribe to set aside the Ohauko block of 25,301 acres for settlement by returned Maori soldiers, irrespective of the tribe to which they belong. The land is to be an absolute gift from the Tuwharetoa people to the Maori soldiers' settlers. It gives me much pleasure to be able to inform you that this great self-sacri-fice is made by one of our Maori tribes, and I know you will appreciate both the spirit which prompted the making of the gift, and the national character of the same. Kia Oral" The Native Minister telegraphed the donors, through Dr. Pomare, the thanks of the Government for the magnificent gift. The machinery enabling such gifts of land to be made use of for the purpose indicated was provided in last session's Native Washing-Up Bill. it is most gratifying to find, that the Native tribes, recognising their responsibilities towards those of their race who have gone to the war, and it is to be hoped this will be the precursor of other gifts of a similar nature. It is understood that some of the East Coast tribes have views of a similar nature. Money has also been freely subscribed by the natives for patriotic purposes. Yesterday he received £SO for the patriotic funds from the Chiefs of Te Arawa tribe at Rotoiti.