Auckland Times. Tuesday, October 15th, 1844. FREE TRADE IN LAND.

Auckland Times, Volume 2, Issue 92, 15 October 1844, Page 2

Auckland Times. Tuesday, October 15th, 1844. FREE TRADE IN LAND.

In another column we publish a new proclamation, from the Government Gazette, setting forth a general waiver of the Government claim of pre-emp-tion,—emancipating the lands of the natives of New Zealand from the unjust iron grasp of Downing Street. For this bold measure Captain Fitzroy is entitled to the thanks and praise of every person—European or Aboriginal—who lives,in any respect, within tbe influence of his authority.

It was natural there should be much hesitation before so bold a determination was adopted ; and we know that those from whom the people would have expected better purposes and more consistency, would have dissuaded Mm if they could. It is to Captain Fitzroy himself that we owe the benefit and the promptitude of the measure; and the people of the Colony, as far as they have the power, should be zealous to relieve his iuture government from embarrasgnient, by a cheerful, liberal, and ready contribution to the property tax—now. "We hope that we shall not have any unreflecting reader accuse us of inconsistency in thus saying. The unjust seizure of the native rights, tbe preposterous folly of Lord Stanley's pound an acre minimum land act, .and the swindling nature of the Auction system,—these have been the perpetual theme of our vituperation, and shad we not consistently and most energetically thank the Governor who has removed them, we hope, for ever. We may now predict that the Colony will go a-head; the great stumbling block is removed—and although there will be some (co) temporary discontent among the scrip-holders and old land glj^mants—their interests, as well as

others, will eventually be found to be most essentially served by this measure. His Excellency has, very wisely and humanely made some prudent, provisos, of which, we may speak hereafter, —but, for the present, we may gratefully proclaim- that the hateful Wakefield system of Government Land profits; restrictions, and taxes, is abolished from New Zealand. ~ English or Colonial capital or enterprise may be invited, henceforth, to visit this Colony, and co-operate with the intelligent and eager Aborigines in the improvement of the gifts of Providence, under, only such light regulations as are necessary to protect the interests of either. , As soon as this info is received,—>rirst in New South Wales and afterwards in India and our native land.—it cannot be dpubted that much resort fo> pur shores will take place. We shall double the impression of our present number for the purpose of gratuitously circulating the }oyous news, and again and again we say that every inhabitant of the Southern Brittannides should be deeply grateful to The Governor.