THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1943, 17 May 1880, Page 3

THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

[By Teleghaph.] HAWERA, May 15, The “Hawera and Normanby Star ” to-day publishes in full a scheme submitted by a large number of the members of the Armed Constabulary force now on tho Waimate Plains for settling the Native difficulty. Thev have applied to the Government for block 5 of the open agricultural land adjoining the Native reserve, and so situated as to bo considered most beneficial for the defence of tho district, to be allotted as follows Officers, 400 acres each; sergeant-majors, 200 j sergeants, 150; constables, 100 acres each, exclusive of reserves for roads, on the following conditions : —l. That companies of armed constabulary only should formed of volunteers from the force, suitable men determined to settle upon the land. 2. Such companies to be not less than sixty strong, with a due proportion of officers and non-commissioned officers. 3. That companies engage to occupy the land at once, or as soon as the Government can see fit. 4. That they will erect redoubts and defend themselves, and that part of the district in which their land may bo situated. 5. That they will also be available for service as companies of tho Armed Constabulary force on any part of the West Coast from the Waingongoro River to Stony River. 6. Companies as regards discipline to be under the same regulations as the Armed Constabulary force are at present. 7. That such companies shall bo considered companies of Armed Constabulary force, and receive tho same pay os at present for a period of twelve months or longer if required from date of occupation, the Government to supply them with arms and ammunition, also with boots, &c., while employed on public works. 8. That companies agree to pay to the Government the sum of £3 per aero for the land, to be paid as follows. 9. That the Government retain one-half of their pay while serving as part of the constabulary, the balance to bo paid on the deferred payment system, extending oyer ten years, the privilege of paying up the balance at tho end of five years being allowed. 10. Government to allow ample reserves forj'timber, educational and other public purposes, and to issue Crown grants within six months after the payments have been completed. 11. That companies agree to reside on tho land for a period of five years, and make improvements as required by the deferred payment system, and to bo available for service as companies of volunteers in the district before mentioned, from the date they coase to draw pay till five years shall have expired. 12. That at the end of twelve months the lands shall be allotted by ballot, according to rank.