NATIVE LAND LAWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2259, 3 August 1908, Page 1

NATIVE LAND LAWS.

NEED FOR REVISION. [Special, to “Times.”] WELLINGTON, August 1. During the discussion on 41)0 Statutes Consolidation Hill yesterday, Mr. Massay roforred to the need oi consolidating the Native land laws which were in such a confused condition that few people could understand them, and oven the Statutes llovision Commission had been unable to consolidate them owing to their contradictory nature. The simplifying and revision of these laws was the next important work that should be undertaken. The Native Minister said that the Native land laws were working as well as they could be expected to. In regard to the Native Land Court, he said that notwithstanding 4ho increase in the number of judges their work had more than doubled of late. Thu Maori Land .Hoards were active in operating throughout tho Dominion, and tho increase of work done by them spoke well for their industry. The Native Land Commission had also been most diligent ill its labors. All tho machinery under the Native land laws was opened to those concerned, and it was being availed of by the public without any unusual hitches occurring. Ho agreed with Mr Massey, however, that the consolidation of tho Native land legislation was absolutely necessary, but tills was a work which those engaged on tho recent consolidation had not had time to ta'ke up. It should bo made a special work and some one should be set to do it and nothing else until it was done. In replying to tho Fanners’ Union deputation last night ,tlio Prime Minister said that it was improbable that thcro would bo any extensive Native land legislation this session. It would be necessary to pass legislation to give effect to tho recommendation of tho Native Land Commission, but it was very improbable that the Government would be able to do anything this year in regard to tho individualisation of titles or tho grouping of lands as suggested by tho Conference-.