NATIVE AFFAIRS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1888, 12 March 1880, Page 3

NATIVE AFFAIRS.

[Br Tbmgbaph.] IFBOIf OTJB OWN COBBESPONDBNTB.J NEW PLYMOUTH, March 11. There is little to report of the proceedings of the Boyal Commission to-day, except that they were closely employed all day taking evidence from Mr Parris in regard to awards of lands to the Natives and other matters connected therewith. The only thing brought out of general interest was the fact that a good deal of delay and intricate work will be required in order to form a correot view as to past transactions regarding Native lands, much of which is likely to lead to further discussions. It is, however, pretty certain that from the thorough way in which the Commission is overhauling the old records of the Native office, that it will not be their fault if everything they have to inquire into is not thoroughly laid bare. The real difficulty of the taßk was only presented to themselves upon coming here. The past official experience of Sir P. D. Bell in Native matters is proving of valuable service in lessening the many difficulties of the work of the Commission. It has been made abundantly clear by this time that some of the Natives, at any rate, have substantial grievances agairmt the Government, whioh will require to be pressed if the aggrieved are to have that confidence in the even-sided justice of the Government that is desirable. A good deal yet remains for the Commission to do here.