THE NATIVE LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2062, 24 April 1907, Page 4

THE NATIVE LANDS.

Tlio N.Z. llorald states:—Tho inclifToronco of tho Government to tho nrgout necessities of tho North, and the amazing ignorance maintained by Ministers as to our actual position and special requirements, have long been bitterly complained ol by Auckland province. Mr. McNab, who is now traversing the province in a systematic manner, made at To Puke the momontous admission that he has become awakened to tho fact that the harsh things said of Southern members, booauso of thoir lack ol interest in our nativo lands question, wore “somowhnt justified,” and that the Govornniont wore now “alive to tho importance of tho settlement of the nativo lands.” Ono weakness of the North has been its roadinoss to aocopt fair words and vaguo piomises as bona-fido indication of administiativo intention, with tho usual insult of grievous disappointment. Therefore, tho Minister for Lands cannot blame us if wo ask him to givo us some dofinito proof ol official repentance boforo wo display gratitude loi bis encouraging words, lho piogiess of tho province and of the entne colony has been greatly handicapped by tho deliberate and wilful closing of tho native lands against settlement, and though there have been ropeatod promises of relief, nothing practical lias been done. If Mr. McNab will exert himself to lilt the embargo which has boon laid upon these rich and unused lands, and to open thorn to industrious settlers who will be something better than rackrented tenants of idle Maori landlords, ho will have no cause whatever to think lightly of our Northern powers of appreciation. Meanwhile, tho nativo lands are locked up, as lie has seen for himself, and ho tacitly admits that until they are unlocked wo have a very real grievance against the Government of which ho is Minister for Lands.