Native Lands.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 2890, 4 February 1893, Page 3

Native Lands.

(pie phess association). Wellington, February 3. When Te Whiti's power was at its height, he made it a cardinal tenet that nono of his followers should accept from the Government or Public Trustee any of the moneys derived from the lands leased on their behalf. The rents have been steadily accumulating since 1883, and the amounts how in the hands of the Public Trustee for division amongst Te Whiti's followers is £12,000 when they choose to accept it.. Some have accepted their share whilst others ha/c remained steadfast. Last month Mr Warburton, bb.9 Public Trustee, held meetings at the various native centres between Wanstanui and Opunake, giving a clear expositiou of the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, and the natives now., show themselves favorably disposed towards their reserves bein^ dealt with und«r the ordinary leasing regulations ; while several have intimated a desire to take up the ieases themselves and pay the rente. It is understood that Te VVhiti in a speech delivered on January 18, also expressed himself favourably disposed to the West Coast Settlement Act of 18J2.