N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18117, 6 September 1930, Page 7

N.Z. PARLIAMENT.

NATIVE LANDS. THE ACCUMULATED ARREARS. POSITION IN THE WAIKATO. (Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Progress made with the problem of the settlement of accumulated arrears of native rates in certain counties of the Waikato formed the subject of a question by Mr J. A. Young (Reform —-Hamilton) during a discussion on the native land settlemeent estimates in the House of Representatives today. . Mr Young asked the Minister of Native Affairs, the Hon Sir Apirana Ngata, how far he had got in those counties which had not yet been adjusted, and what consideration they might expect at an early date. In replying, the Minister said the position In the King Country counties south of Puniu had been adjusted. With regard to the counties in the Waikato proper, including the northern portion of Waipa, Raglan, and Waikato counties, representations had been made for an adjustment. Conditions there ivyere somewhat difficult In the matter of approach toward consolldar tion, and until that had been accomplished it was not possible to effect a compromise with the 'counties. The basis of the compromise suggested was as follows:—(1) The Native Land Settlement Department should undertake a scheme for the consolidation of native lands; (2)' the natives should make available areas to requite the Grown for any payments the Crown might make to local bodies in respect of accumulated arrears of rates; (3) there should be practically a purchase of the undivided interests in the land by the Crown, payment to be made from the native land settlement account. j—i MENTAL HOBPITALB. THE KINGS EAT INSTITUTION. ACCOMMODATION QUESTIONS. (Times Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Information was sought by Mr J. A. Young (Reform —Hamilton), while the Mental Hospitals Estimates were under debate in the, House of Representatives to-day, as to the amount of progress that has been made with the development of the new Institution at Kingseat, near Waiuku, and as to what number of patients there were other than the pioneer gangs which had been preparing the property. In regard to the transfer of female patients to Tokanui, in the Waikato, he asked if the (department contemplated erecting further buildings in the Ideality. The Minister of Health (the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy.) replied that tenders had been accepted for two new villas at Kingseat, and plans were being prepared for a further two villas. Mr Young: Has any material relief been given to Auckland as the result of the operations at Kingseat up todate? The Minister gave a negative reply. As to the actual transfer of patients he pointed out that the tender had only recently been accepted for the villas. HEALTH DIRECTOR. V DR. VALINTINE’S RETIREMENT. APPOINTED SALARIED ADVISOR. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Friday. “ I understand the present DirectorGeneral of Health is due for retirement," said Mr W. Lee Martin (Labour —Raglan), in the House of Representatives to-day. “ I think it advisable for the Minister to indicate to members in some way what is proposed in connection with the retirement.” The Minister of Health, the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, replied that Dr. Valintine had been head of the department for 24 years. “He has given 30 years of his life to the service of the public,” said Mr Stallworthy. “In this respect the Government felt that there was an obligation on the people of the country to make some provision for him. It was considered this could be most effectively done by giving the DirectorGeneral six months’ leave of absence on full pay and appointing him as ad 7 visory officer to the department to be called upon when his services are required. His salary will be £SOO a year. We felt that was the least we could do after his long years of service/’