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Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 411, 19 August 1876, Page 2

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"THE SPIRIT OF THE TIMES SHALL TEACH ME SPEED." ICING- JOHN, ACT IV.

Saturday, August 19, 1876

Our readers wiU, we feel sure, pardon us for again making reference to the settlement of native land. titles in the Tauranga district. . We may here explain that the reason we do so now, is because Mr Commissioner Brabant has notified to the natives claiming lands within the jurisdiction of his Court, that he wiU sit on Monday next for the purpose of investigating the titles to various extensive blocks of land which are situated in our immediate neighbourhood. We have continually drawn public attention to this aU important land question ; and though the public mind is more particularly agitated at present in consequence of the Kaimai Country being thrown open for prospecting, yet, as we mentioned in our last issue, it is not advisable to be too confident, as- it is problematical after all whether gold will be discovered in payable quantities — we mean in such quantities as would. give the place an impetus which it so much requires. If gold is discovered at all, the district wiU of course be much benefitted, and as the population goes on increasing, as it most, assuredly will, there will of necessity be an increased demand for suitable land. Now, . if the native land titles- through the Tauranga district were adjudicated upon, we -are confident a change would take place for the better at once, irrespective of the discovery of gold. We are glad that the Government have appointed a gentleman like Mr Brabant to the office of Comissioner, and aro satisfied that nothing wiU be wanting on his part to carry through, as speedily as possible, the investigation of the titles of the lands in question. Of course tho public can do little or nothing in the matter ; it is simply for the Commissioner and the natives to conduct the business, and settle, we hope, in a satisfactory manner all the titles. In past' years, wo might almost say, "through- many generations," the Native Department here, has been acting the part of the " Circumlocution Office," mentioned by Dickens in these words — "What was required to be done, tho Circumlocution. Office was before-hand with aU the departments in tlie art of perceiving how not to do it ! " The people of Tauranga have been a very patient people indeed, Avhcn we consider lioav their best interests have been sacrificed, and everything Avhich could tend to im-

prove the condition of the district, utterly ignored by.' certain officers of the Native Department, whose long residence in this district and connection with native affairs, make it unnecessary for ns to mention names. We trust that now, as a fair commencement appears about to be made in respect to the question of land and other important matters, that nothing AviU transpire to clog the wheels of the machinery which, after it is stopped, takes a long time to be set in motion again — Let's take the instant by the forward top ; For we are old, and on our quiok'sfc decreeß The inaudible and noiseless foot of time Steals ere we can effect them."