THE NATIVE LANDS BILL.

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 1, Issue 42, 14 October 1867, Page 254

THE NATIVE LANDS BILL.

Acting in accordance with the suggestions made by Mr Cooper in his report, the Government introduced a Native Lands Bill on the 23 rd September, when it was read a first time. Its second reading took place on the 26th, almost without discussion, as the Government said it consisted almost entirely of details which would be most conveniently discussed in committee. Mr Carleton, however, made a few remarks on the additional powers it vested in the hands of the Governor, as it seemed it permitted him, by a mere Gazette notice stating that the title to any block of land was extinguished, to confiscate the said block. Other ambiguities he would like to see made clear, as, for instance, concerning reserves. He took great interest in the bill, and supported its second reading. It was committed on the 27th, when Mr Bichmond gave an outline of what the bill proposed to do. It was to enable the Governor to place some restrictions on the alienation ol native lands. The Court was required to report on the desirability, or otherwise, of this course on all occasions. There were cases where a few natives held grants or certificates for large tracts of land, nominally in their own right, but really for large bodies of natives, who, if pressed for money, would be likely to desire to alienate the lands held in trust by them, to the discontent of the body of natives for yvhom they held such trust, and it was found to be inconvenient to alter the practice . of making the titles to such blocks vest in them. He thought that such trusts might be made to vest in a larger number of persons, not exceeding ten, abd such land held inalienable for 21 years, nor to be leaseable for a longer period without again going through the Court for the re-individualization of the titles. The difficulty of getting ten persons to execute a deed would be a substantial check upon the alienation of such land. Then there was the time when the duty on leases should. be paid to Government ; the Attorney-General was of opinion that it was on taking possession. It would be difficult to make it an annual charge, as the Court would cease to exist before the end of 21 years, and as the expenses of the Court were very heavy* and greatly in excess of its'returns in duties and fees, it was desirable to get them in rapidly. A moderate amount was to be charged on leases for the rectification of, surveys. Another ; clause permitted natives to charge their lands so as to raise funds for passing: them through the Court before they had got certificates. This was: an •,everyday practice, and the Act would legalise it. The Governor alone was to refer special questions , to the Court, as respecting native reserves, and land

given under the New Zealand Settlements Act—land held under peculiar circumstances. The Act also would wind up the negotiation, and settle the disputes concerning the Manawatu purchase, and repeal the exclusive clause of the Act of 1865. In reply to Mr Carleton, he said the powers vested in the Governor were necessary to prevent the re-opening of every ‘title in the Colony, which could be done if no such power were given. It was necessary that all vague and uncertain claims should be settled.

Mr M‘Lean thought the clauses did not go far enough. Mr G. Graham objected on the grounds of the heavy charges the bill proposed to place on native lands. Every encouragement ought to be held out to natives to lease, but the effect of the bill was to obstruct and check settlement.

Mr Carleton made a long speech in condemnation of the bill, and, after a few words from Mr Cracroft Wilson, Mr Richmond replied, defendiug the action of the Government, which, as it was admitted, had earned the title of protector of the aboriginal race of the colony, and preserved and maintained all just rights, claims, amid r inter-tribal quarrels. The course taken in regard to the Manawatu block was in order to preserve the peace of a very important district, and the Superintendent of Wellington had carried out the intention the Government. The House, after this, went into committee on the bill, reported progress, and obtained leave to sit again on next sitting day.