THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 45, 30 August 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 1907.

The report of Dr Pomare on the Na tive question makes interesting reading to"all, but more particularly to those who are closely associated with th< Maoris and their lands. The Nativt Health officer strikes an optimistic note in speaking of the destiny of theMaor and is firm in the belief that the future of the race will be absorption bj the European, not extinction. Tc those acquainted with life in the Maori districts this phase of the question must have been accepted unconditionally long since, and it is no) surprising that Doctor Pomare, as s man thoroughly acquainted with the history of his race, and the trend ol events among his people, should have arrived at so obvious a conclusion, However, though the future of the race may safely be left to evolution in that respect, there are many other matters requiring immediate thought and attention, if the interests of both Maori and European are to be safeguarded during the process of absorption. In his report the doctor has a tilt at " would-be authorities" who predict the early extinction of the Maori, and presumably have the only key to the solution of the whole question of the Maori and his lands. In a broad sense it may seem an easy matter to dispose of the subject, but we have to remember that the Maori is not responsible for the position in which he stands to-day, and owing to the reluctance of the authorities to grapple with the question in the past, matters have become decidedly complicated, and harder to adjust equitably than should have been the case. Still, the responsibility of action exists, and that firm measures should be adopted no thinking person will deny. Doctor Pomare is merely reiterating what the advanced Natives of this district have long advocated, when he pleads for opportunity for the Maori to take up the burden of responsibility and work out his own salvation on his own land. That the average Maori will require assistance is manifest to all, and that he should get it is only consonant with that spirit of-fair-mindness for which the Britisher is noted. The main feature which outcrops in all suggestions and discourses on the question, is the knowledge that thousands and thousands of acres of fertile land are at present locked up and lying waste ; a menace to settlers, and a " white elephant " to the own-, ers. That the opening of these lands } is imperative, and in the interests of: all, admits of no doubt, and thestrongest efforts should be made to x'ender every available acre productive. The Maori understands the necessity of such a course, and is, in most cases, quite willing to fall in with any suggestion which gives him a fair opportunity of becoming a producer. It is to be hoped the work of the Native Land Commission, and the representations of the progressive Maoris will bear good fruit. The report of Doctor Pomare affords nothing new to those who have studied the question, but it will serve a good purpose if it helps, in any measure, towards the passing of laws for the purpose of turning lands, at present lying waste, into producing areas.