THE NORTH NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1716, 20 August 1879, Page 2

THE NORTH NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION.

[By Telegraph.] AUCKLAND, August 20. The first public meeting held under the auspices of the North New Zealand Association took place lastjnightin the Mechanics Institute, the subject for consideration being the Native administration. The building was crowded to excess, the members of the association having seats on the platform. The Mayor presided, and, after setting out the objects for which the meeting had assembled, called on Mr Eeader Wood to move the first resolution.

Mr Wood deplored the want of interest evinced by the Auckland people in The past on grave and important measures such as the one before the present meeting. The consequence of this had been that the Auckland members had never been a united and compact body, but had always been found divided, while ti# province, through this result, had not held that infinence in the House which its wealth, population, and commerce entitled it to. The association sought to remedy this state of things by stimulating a healthy public feeling, in order to obtain a careful opinion, the effect of which would bo , to secure unanimity amongst the Auckland party in the new Parliament. He moved the first resolution, as follows: — “ That in the opinion of this meeting the Native department is costly, unnecessary, and mischievous, and steps should be taken, as soon as consistent with public interests, gradually to abolish the ■ ime.” Mr J. Chambers seconded the resolution, and advocated free trade in land, Mr Skeen moved as an amendment —“ That in tho opinion of this meeting, the Native

Department is costly and mischievous, and that steps be taken at the next sitting of Parliament to abolish the same.” Mr F. Cherry seconded the amendment. Mr Garrett proposed as a farther amendment—“ That while recognising the necessity ef giving effect to the resolution, this meeting deems it would be inopportune to carry the same until we hear news of Sir Geo. Grey and the Native Minister upon the Native policy, and in explanation of their policy relating thereto.” The Speaker charged the Association with being a self-nominated body attempting to dictate to the people what they should do, and counselled the meeting to reject such dictation by giving in their adhesion to Sir G. Grey, the test question in every thing affecting the policy of the country. Mr Garrett’s amendment, on being put to the meeting, was declared to be carried. Captain Daldy moved—“ That, in the opinion of this meeting, every assistance should be given to the Natives to settle the titles of their lands, and that, on receiving a certificate of title, Natives should be free to sell or lease their lands as they may think fit, subject to the payment of costs, survey, and Court foes, and setting aside reserves for Native and public purposes ; and further, that an ad valorem duty should be paid to Government by first purchasers, and proper precautions taken to prevent monopoly of land by large buyers.” Mr A. Boardman seconded the motion. Mr J. M. Clarke moved an amendment, to the following effect :—“ That, in the opinion of this meeting, every assistance should be given to Natives to have their lands surveyed and passed through the Lands Court by advancing the cost of survey ; that reserves should be made for the natives, and the remainder be sold or leased by auction through the usual Waste Lands Board, at th« request of Native owners, and offered at such upset price as may be fixed by them; that an ad valorem duty should be paid to the Government by the purchaser or lessee, and that the Government purchase no more land for reserve purposes.” Mr Atkinson thought the committee should he appointed to draw up a printed programme for careful consideration. Mr Baber seconded Mr Clarke’s amendment.

Mr Garrett moved an adjournment, which was carried at half-past ten.