COMPENSATION TO SETTLERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4489, 9 August 1875, Page 2

COMPENSATION TO SETTLERS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, —Last Friday, in the House of Representatives, in introducing the “Hawke’s Bay Volunteers Grants 1U11,” Sir Donald McLean explained “ that the object of the Bill was to reward ccrtrin persons who had atFordcd valuable assistance during the war, but had not been able to claim compensation.” Ford and others Pensions Bill.— Sir Donald McLean explained “that the Bill was intended to give effect to pensions to certain women and children who had lost husbands or fathers during the war.” I do not for a moment doubt but there are just grounds for introducing the measures above referred to, and that the Legislature will give both Bills due consideration. I will at the same time remind your readers that an important “petition of the Early Settlers ” was presented to the House on the 30th of July by Sir George Grey. The 22nd and 23rd clauses of the petition are “ Clause 22. That inasmuch as the naval and military settlers have received from the Colonial Government, under the authority of the General Assembly, grants of land, and up to a recent period the volunteers also, the pioneer settlers of New Zealand, who, in addition to the drawbacks and difficulties referred to above, had also to perform military duty in various parts of the North Island and in the settlement of Nelson, believe they have an equal claim to the consideration of the Government.” Clause 23. “That your petitioners pray for a full inquiry into and investigation of their case at such time and in such manner as the House may direct.” In reference to the proceedings in the House of Representatives on Friday last, above referred to, “ Mr. Buckland called attention to the fact that many persons in Auckland were equally entitled to reward.” Sir Donald McLean said “that the Government were now in communication with persons in Auckland.” I trust, sir, that the petition of the early settlers will meet with the same consideration, for no impartial judge can say that the pioneers and their families, of the early days, are not entitled to grants of land as a substantial recognition of their services as the practical founders of the colony.—l am, &c. J H. Wallace. Lower Terrace, August 7.