NATIVE INTERESTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 June 1938, Page 7

NATIVE INTERESTS

MINISTER AT EAST COAST GATHERING OIL ROYALTIES AND LANDS (By Telegraph—Press Association.) GISBORNE, June 11. Three major issues deeply concerning Maoris were submitted by Sir Apirana Ngata to the Acting-Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon F. Langstone at the Mangahanea hui on Saturday. . The problems were unemploymen aid for Maoris following the introduction of the social security plan, the speeding up Native settlement housing and the question of claims for compensation for confiscated lands. Sir Apirana contented that delays were occurring in State machinery for the housing programme. With a view to submitting a concrete plan on the confiscated lands issue to Cabinet, the Minister said a map showing the location, area and tribal associations was being prepared for each outstanding claim. Native opinion on the subject of oil royalties from possible production from Native lands was submitted to Mr Langstone.

The Minister said it appeared that the Natives felt the Government’s policy to be again the provisions of the Treaty of Waitangi. He would not place too much hope in the search for oil. He felt there was more wealth to be found on the surface. He would not gainsay that if, anoil gusher developed it would be of inestimable value to the country in industrial peace-time demands and also for defence, but, although he hoped he was wrong, it did not seem that too much reliance should be placed on the possibility of oil development. The new social hall at Mangahaneq, Pa was opened in traditional Maori ceremonial. King Koroki was among those present.