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Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1807, 13 July 1906, Page 2

NATIVE L&NDS,

The people cf this district will read with deep interest—and corresponding satiefaolion if they fesl relianoe can be placed thereon—a telegram published this morning in regard to an interview which certain native landowners had with the Premier and his Ministers, including the Minister for Native Affairs, The natives oemprised a deputation from Hastings. With the local grievanoß wo have little concern, except the point that a petition in favor of their lands being utilised for close settlement is ia tff-.ci declared to be bogus. Those rgainst whom that charge is levelled must make their own dtfcoce, or by retioence acknowledge the justness of the accusation. But what ooocatns us is tho diotum of the Native Minister supported in emphatic words by ths Premier, that “ lands not required by the natives for tboir own use ehould bo acquired by the Crown'.’* That was given not as the opionn only of Mr Carroll, but os a cardinal feature of Government policy, and the Premier went so far as to say, " Tbo Crown could not stay its hands in tho ma'tsr of purchase” Then lot the Government promptly turn their attention to this district. What is being done towards acquiring the vast area of Native land not being utilised in this district? If Ministers are sincere in this matter, why have they not ere this dene a groat deal in the way of acquiring aud throwing open for settlement land that is now the roaming ground of tho wild pig ? The Biorama last night showed a fine mimio representation of the landing of Captain Cook many years ago. If tho lamented oaptain wore able to pay us a visit now in the flesh would ho bo able to credit his senses that no muoh fertile land was still left quite unproductive after all theto years ? If the policy now announced so unexpectedly is to bo really given efieot to, ttoro will fee a groat work to do in this diofciifct. How that work is being done now is best proved by the faot of the Native Land Court Judge being sent to WaDganui for an indefinite period.