OCCUPATION OF NATIVE LAND.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume II, Issue 120, 1 June 1863, Page 2

OCCUPATION OF NATIVE LAND.

(From the Otago Daily Times , May 23.) I<y the subjoined, issued by His Honor the Superintendent as a Special Gazette, it will be seen the Governor has determined on the very best course under the circumstances, namely, the taking possession of the land between the Omata and Tataraimaka, where the ambuscade was laid, and the shocking murders committed.

It is to be converted into a military settlement, and it is thought that the inducement oliered will be sufficient to encourage Volunteers. Presuming the conditions are fair and equitable, we make no doubt there will be plenty of volunteers from Otago. We believe applications will be at once received. Now Plymouth, 10th May, 1863. Sin, —The Government has determined to take possession of the block of land between Omata and Tataraimaka in this Province upon which the late murders were committed, in order that a settlement may be placed tbcreou of persons able to protect themselves. 'The intention is to give each settler fifty acres of land, with one acre at the site of the villages, on the condition that they shall hold the land on a system of military tenure. Much of the laud to be alloted is of a very fine quality, corresponding land at Tataraimaka, which is further from the town of New Plymouth, having been bought by settlers before the war at from £5 to £lO per acre. It has occurred to Government that there might be many active young men at Otago qualified to form such a settlement who would bo willing to become settlers on the above conditions of military tenure and free grants of land. Your Honor would oblige me by giving mo your opinion on this point by return of post, the object being to place the men on the land with the least possible delay. Further particulars will be sent next mail. I will only add now that Government will undertake to have a stockade or stockades built for them, and find them guns, ammunition, and with necessary rations. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, ALFKED DOMETT. <! His Honor the Superintendent of Otago, <tc.. «tc., etc.,