The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1883. A Threatened Land Bing.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 980, 27 June 1883, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prevalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 1883. A Threatened Land Bing.

When the present session of Parliament opened it was the general opinion that it would not only be a short, but also an unexciting one. The Speech from the Throne certainly did not lead us to believe that any question of vital importance would be brought forward, and when the battle was fought which clearly proved that the Government was even stronger than its best friends anticipated there appeared to be nothing to prevent the work of legislation going on smoothly. Since then, however, a cloud has shown itself upon the horizon, which presages a storm that will come ere long, and if all that we hear is true We shall have excitement enough before many days have passed. It is reported that Mr DeLautour is to present to the House a Private Bill, which is intended to give very extended powers to a rich company that has been formed for the purpose of acquiring large tracts of Native lands. The danger that must result to the colony by according such tremendous influence to a private company is so apparent that it is no wonder that members are looking at the situation with grave apprehension. But the affair becomes more complicated when we see that the Premier himself is a strong advocate of the scheme, and that his influence will be used to induce the Ministry to countenance it. It is also worthy of note that this Bill emanates from a member of a party whose constant boast it is that they are the especial friends of the people, and who are so free in bandying about such epithets as “ land sharks ” when speaking of their political opponents. But when self-interest comes in the way of principle, it is not unusual to find that the latter succumbs; and then we discover those beautiful patriotic sentiments that have been used to charm the ear of the mob are simply from the lips outwards. Those noteworthy “Liberals,” Messrs Sheehan, George, and McDonald are all interested in ' the scheme, while Sir George Grey himself has maintained a silence as to his course of action that is in itself suspicious. Time was when the veteran politician would have been quick to denounce an attempt to secure to a private company so extensive a monopoly— a monopoly so great as to amount to a virtual handing over of the control of native affairs in the North Island; but now there is only too good reason to believe that he will be found on the side of the landsharks he was wont to profess such hatred of. As to the Bill itself, we cannot think for an instant that Parliament will sanction it. What possible reasons can be adduced for according to this company privileges and powers which are entirely at variance with the land policy of the Government ? Without believing in the feasibility of carrying out a scheme for nationalising the land, we quite recognise the necessity of limiting private ownership as far as possible, and this was the guiding spirit of the Ministerial measure that was passed last session. To be consistent, the Cabinet cannot do otherwise than oppose the Bill tooth and nail, and we have no doubt that if they follow this course they will be supported by the good sense of the House. In the meantime, a petition has been presented to Parliament signed by Wahanui and four hundred and fifteen other Maoris; stating a distinct policy from the native point of view. What is asked is that their lands should be made inalienable, and that the same system of leasing should be adopted as is now being tried in regard to land in other parts of the colony. We do not intend to speak of this petition in detail at present, but we regard the requests made therein as reasonable. No doubt the promoters of this scheme for forming a gigantic land-ring will say that they are actuated by benevolence, but the people of the colony are not so credulous as to believe that a love for the Maoris is the governing motive of the shrewd business men who are the Directors of this company. It is certain that the Bill will meet with strong antagonism from both sides of the House, and it is to be hoped that the Ministry will not support this barefaced attempt of a few capitalists to secure a monopoly, the existence of which would be a danger to the community.