NATIVE LAND LAWS.

Jubilee : Te Tiupiri, Volume 1, Issue 14, 5 April 1898, Page 5

NATIVE LAND LAWS.

ALTERATION IN THE SYSTEM.

Auckland, March 28. With reference to the Government proposals to be made at the Huntly native meeting, it is evident they are agreed as to the general policy which should be pursued in connection with native land legislation. Regarding the first proposal—stoppin* the sale of native land either to the Government o°r a private purchaser-Mr Carroll explained to a Herald representative, the Government have already made a large purchase of native lands. They have what they consider a sufficient quantity of land, and their next step will be to see into the matter of title , and get everything in this connection placed upon a satisfactory basis. Some of tbe titles are rather complicated and will require to be looked very carefully into, and this duty will be at once undertaken by the Government previous to the lands purchased being thrown open for settlement. The fact that a large area of land, some of it of splendid quality, ts open for leasing should certainly give an impetus to settlement, and there is every probability, should the proposals meet with approval, that in a few years land which is at present lying idle and unproductive will be settled and cultivated. The demand for land exceeds the present supplv, but with permission being given to the natives to lease their land the demand will be readily met. It is more probable the Government will exercise an immediate supervision over the granting of all leases of native laud. What may possibly be done will be the establishment of land boards for the purpose of administering lands in the same manner as Crown lands boards deal with matters pertaining to the throwing open and occupation of Crown lands. So far as the personnel of these boards is concerned, it would be rather premature to enter into such details, but personally he thought that their constitution may be arranged in this way: The Government

could have representatives on the boards, and the natives could also be represented bj a certain number of members. These members would naturally attend closely to the interests of the natives, and would doubtless pay particular attention to the terms and conditions under which the lands would be leased. Of course, other members would do the same, the object being to arrange the leases so that the best rents would be obtained for the benefit of the natives. He could not say how the proposals will be accepted by the natives. Some of the most intelligent, however, are desirous that permission should be given them to lease their lands, and may be expected to give strong support to the proposals when they are laid before them The opinions of a few of the leading rangatiras were ascertained, and the general opinion appeared to be that the proposals if given effect to would relieve the natives from the difficulty at present exoerienced of how to reap the benefits which should be obtained from the large area of land at present in their possession. It is certain these proposals will be carefully considered at a conference between the Minister and natives which will be held to-morrow.