THE CONFISCATED LANDS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1686, 16 July 1879, Page 3

THE CONFISCATED LANDS.

WELLINGTON, July 15,

A mongst the papers laid upon the table of the Home to-day is one relating to tie confiscation of rebels’ lands. No. 1 is a proclamation by Governor Grey when Mr Weld was Premier, pointing oat the lands which had been confiscated in the Waikato and in the Taranaki districts, and informing the Natives who had adhered to the Qaeen that their lands shall be scoured to them, while those who bad rebelled would have portions of the land taken from them, and portions would be given back for themselves and families. The next document is from the Hon. W. Mantell to the Premier, dated Juno 12th, 1879, enclosing a proclamation in English and Muon, which states that the lands of the rebel Natives are not taken as a source of profit but as a punishment for their misdeeds, and no more lands will be taken than is deemed sufficient for effecting that object; also, adding that tee Governor will make duo provision for all those who, having bean in rebellion, shall at once submit to the Queen’s authority, and promise to live peaceably for the future. Document 3 is of a confidential character, from Mr J. B. Fitz Gerald, Native Minister, to Mr Parris, and is in the nature of instructions as to how to deal with the confiscated lands. After being informed, of tbe £ire& of l»ind ment propose to confiscate, Mr Parris is told to place upon sufficient blocks of land the whole of the Native population of the Taranaki district who may he willing to come in and live peaceably, and he is informed that no more land would bo confiscated than the twenty miles of coast between Waitotara and White Cliffs. The instructions given Mr Parris are a discretionary power to deal liberally with the Natives in the disposition of the land, and ho is enjoined to be expeditious in getting the lands classified and opened out, and the whole matter finally settled. In the following year (18GC) Mr Parris writes a letter to Governor Grey complaining of tho way some Taihoa Maoris whom he had settled on tho land were treated by military detachments stationed at Stoncy River. In the next document Mr Parris is relieved of his duties, ns a Native Land Court Judge would lie sent to negotiate and arrange claims on Ngatiawa andNgatirnanui coast blocks as Judge of the Compensation Court. Ee is told:—“ It will be desirable if possible to induce tho absentees, who claim within the blocks in question, to abandon their claims, and you are authorised to treat with Wi Kateno, To Mann, or any other leaders of the Ngatiawa, and other claimants in Nelson and Marlborough, for surrender of their entire claims within tho confis-

cated territory on the West Coast. These claims number in all about 216, according to notes of Compensation Court on the investigation of claims at Oakura and Waitara South. The Government are of opinion that reserves to the extent of, say, 5000 acres of the same average character as that allotted to the military settlers, and a sum of .£ISOO, ought to be the limit of the offer made to quiet these claims, which by the rule already laid down in Court will be excluded from ail compensation.” As soon as this had been set" in proper train ho was to arrange in like manner for the territory north of Patea River, and all land around Opurike was to be left to the Natives, except space for a township. Tho last memo, is one from Sir Donald McLean, in which occurs the following ; —“The lands south of tho Waingongoro comprise 34,897 acres allotted to military settlers ; lands disposed of by auction, 2934 acres; awards made to Natives by the Compensation Court, 17,264 acres ; special reserves made to different tribes, 12,361 acres ; and lands allotted to Natives for services rendered during the rebellion, 6950 acres ; to Native contingent to satisfy outstanding claims of military settlers and others, about 500 acres is still required, leaving land available for subdivision and sale, 39,499 acres. The awards of the Compensation Court to Natives have not yet been defined, and it is important that this should be done. Tho claims of those who are willing to sell should be bought ont at a price not exceeding .£1 per acre.” In a subsequent letter from Sir D. McLean to Major Brown, the latter is instructed as follows: —“ These circumstances in all probability may render it very difficult, if not impossible, for you to conclude terms with Natives within the limit of tho sum above-mentioned. You are, therefore, authorised at your own discretion to offer such annuities to tho chiefs, or others interested in the sale, as may in the aggregate amount to 2s 6d per acre mere than the sum already mentioned.”