The Maori Land Question.

Kawhia Settler and Raglan Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 231, 20 October 1905, Page 2

The Maori Land Question.

AN IMPORTANT PROPOSAL. SPECIAL TO TUB SETTLE*. (By Telegraph.) Wellington, Wed. Oct. 18» Ofl Tuesday evening, amendment! in Ihe Maori Land Setdemente Bill were brought down by Governor’s message, giving the Governmeui the right to acquire native lands for settlemeut purposes where the owners of the greater portion of the area werg w Hing to sell. Tbe resolution submitted to the House on Tuesday by the Premier, dealing with Native lands has a bear* ing on Maori lands in the Waikato elect irate. Under the resolutions, , which will be embodied in the Maori Linds for Settlement Bill now before the House, a sum of £200,000 will ba raised for purchasing surplus lands in the Rohe Potae country. The impor* tance of these proposals is very great aud means an impetus to settlement, which will carry with it prosperity to southern Auckland districts. The most unemnprising opponents of the House congratulated the (LATER.) Wxi.LL\eTON, Thursday 19, 5.15 p.m The Maori Land Settlement Bil| does not provide for the compulsory acquisition of Maori properties ou the West Coast of the North Island, but the Government have brought down amendments enabling them to acquit* lands which the owners are willing to dispose of, and also enabling them to raise £200,000 a year tor tbe purpose. This proposal met with general appro* val, but there was a tong wrangle last night in committee with land reformers and Maori members as to the system of administration. Tbe result ia that after spending the greater part of two nights uSon the Bill it has not yet passed the third reading. Mr Lang, in a speech during the main debate, cordially supported the of the Bill, and claimed that bit was tbe same principle which he land other Oppositionists hal advocated for years.