NATIVE TOWNSHIPS BILL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 293, 10 September 1910, Page 8

NATIVE TOWNSHIPS BILL.

Meeting of Protest. RESOLUTIONS CARRIED. A public meeting, convened by the Chamber of Commerce, was held on Wednesday night in Hattaway's rooms, Te Kuiti, to consider the Native Townships Bill, and especially clause 19. Mr F. H. Sims, president of the Chamber of Commerce, took the chair, and said they were met to consider the proposals in the Native Townships Bill, now forcing its way through the House. The one clause that concerned them was clause 19. If put through the Government and the Government alone, reserved to itself the right to buy the freehold. As far as he was concerned it would be better to leave things as they were. Major Lusk said he took a deep interest in that matter. It was wellknown that in times gone by the Crown reserved tojtself the sole right to purchase native''land. Afterwards, it gave up that right, and intimated to settlers that they could purchase certain lands from the natives direct. Native townships were under different conditions altogether. Te Kuiti, Otorohanga and Taumarunui were cut up and put in the hands of the Maori Land Board, the native owners reserving the fee simple. For some time past there had been great dissatisfaction felt amongst people who came to settle, and those leasing sections were not satisfied. A 21 years' lease did not encourage proper settlement, and did not encourage good houses and stores, [t was detrimental in its financial aspect, also. Representations had been made to the Government and the Native Minister that a better tenure —the freehold--was wanted. The Native Minister had promised to meet their views as far as possible and the Native Townships Bill is the result of that promise. What did it mean? Instead of helping them he was positively blocking them. As things were at the present time, it was possible, with a good deal of trouble and time taken, and the consent of the Maori Land Board obtained and also that of the Governor-in-Council, which meant the Native Minister, to get the freehold. Now, in place of allowing them to get the freehold they were faced with this clause 19! It was not only a great disappointment, but a breach of faith. A large number of members in the House did not know enough about the subject. It was time for them to have their say. He had been in communication with the leading natives, and they were with that meeting. They felt that if the Government were to be the only purchaser they would be at a great disadvantage as sellers. They were very indignant, and hoped influence would be brought to bear to block clause 19. He moved:—"That this public meeting of Maori owners, European lessees and business men connected with the King Country native townships do strongly and unanimously protest against clause 19 of the Native Townships Bill, which debars the native owners from selling their land to any person but the Crown, and hereby declare that they wilt be satisfied with no law that prevents the Native owners from disposing of their town sections to any purchaser with whom they agree as to price and that in the matter of the sale of Native township allotments the Crown and the individual purchaser be placed on an equal footing. That upon the Maori Land Board being satisfied that a fair price is being offered by the purchaser to the owner the consent of the Board be forthwith given to the sale and transfer." He wished the natives to have fair play, and that they should have the right to sell their property like anyone else. Mr W. S. King seconded the motion. Mr Boddie thoroughly agreed with what Major Lusk had said. He, however, wished to put a point of view that had been overlooked. It was quite evident clause 19 was right up to a certain point. There were some native townships to-day that ought to be bought. If the Govemenrnt had come and brought Otorohanga, Te Kuiti and Taumarunui when they were formed the difficulties of to-day would not have arisen. It was practically impossible for the Government to purchase Te Kuiti, Otorohanga or Taumarunui now. Values had gone up to such a price that if it attempted to do so it would probably not get more than 1 or 2 per cent, on the money invested. Lessees had paid such prices that to attempt to purchase would be impossible. Thus, if the clause was meant to apply to these townships, it was simply an attempt to fool them. As far as the right to purchase new townships was concerned, there was something to say in its favour. Te Kuiti was no longer a native township. They were going to have an immense European population there. They were considering the raising of a loan of £20,G00 to £30,000, and the expenditure of that money would day by day enhance the value of the land. At the end of 21 years the native owners would be able to demand an enormously increased rental. If for no other, that was the best reason why power should be given to as many as cared, to deal directly with the native owners. He was quite sure no one desired to take advantage of the natives. He was doubtful if they could if they tried. (Laughter.) The transaction should be agreed on between the owner, the lessee and the land board, and without any further difficulty it ought to be possible to get the freehold. "What strikes me more than anything else," continued Mr Boddie, "is that men like our on member, who sat at the recent King Country Conference and heard the whole discsusion, should express themselves as they have done." The resolution passed at that conference laid stress on the fact that all improvements in native townships were due to the growth of European population, and that the right of purchase was demanded. There is not the least likelihood of the Government purchasing. The Waitomo County Council acquired a native reserve for its offices recently, but under the new Bill the Maori

Land Board will have no power to sell. In face of the agitation that had been going on for over two years, and in face of the deputation to the Native Minister it was a disgusting state of affairs. Whatever resolution was pas?ed he hoped it would have no uncertain sound as a protest against the Bill. Mr Sharpies referred to the provision in clause 18 under which owners are to be compensated for land taken for roads, but the local authoirty would be left to bear the cost of making them. He thought a clause covering this point should be included in the resolution. Mr Boddie said he had already written, on behalf of the Borough Council, protesting against the clause and asking for information. He thought the Municipal Corporations Act would over-ride it. Major Lusk said the roads and streets in Te Kuiti were already laid off and under borough control. Native owners had no land there to cut up. They should confine themselves to clause 19, which was the crux of the whole affair. Mr Boddie was satisfied wtih the motion, especially after Major Lusk's explanation that it represented native owners. Mr Somerville said it appeared that half the members in the House did not realise the position. It was impossible for the Government to purchase. Mr Hardy thought the only way was to send some one to Wellington to enlighten members on the subject. Mr Boddie would be the most able man to send. The resolution was carried unanimously. Mrajor Lusk said he had sent a wire to Mr Jennings, but had had no reply so far. Mr Somerville thought it desirable some one should go to Wellington. He was quite sure it would have been an eye-opener to both Mr Jennings and Mr Massey to have heard the speeches that night. Major Lusk proposed:—"That the foregoing resolution be telegraphed to the Prime Minister and certain members of Parliament with a respectful and earnest request that it receive their favourable consideration as being the reasonable desire of all the parties most interested and tending to the advancement and prosperity of the King Country." Mr Boddie seconded and it was carried unanimously. Mr Howarth thought it would be an excellent thing if Mr Boddie or a deputation could go to Wellington prepared to interview members likely to be with them. What was the use of passing resolutions when their own member said the majority of people in Te Kuiti were satisfied with the Bill. Mr Young asked whether the Hon. J. Carroll had promised a Bill to give the freehold in native townships. Mr Boddie explained the attitude of the Premier, which led them to believe they were to get satisfaction, but said the"Naiive Minister had not been interviewed on the subject. Mr Howarth moved "That enquiry be made, and if it was found practicable, to let a deputation go to Wellington in time to be of any use, that meeting requested Mr Boddie and Major Lusk to go to Wellington to place the matter before the proper authorities, and that Otorohanga and Taumarunui be asked to co-operate. Mr Boddie suggested that the motion should be forwarded through the member for the district. That was not an anti-Jennings' meeting, and he had not the slightest doubt Mr Jennings would do his level best for them. The motion was seconded by Mr Hardy and carried unanimously. This closed the business.