PATEA COUNTY MAIL PUBLISHED Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1880. SELLING THE LAND.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 543, 8 July 1880, Page 2

PATEA COUNTY MAIL PUBLISHED Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. THURSDAY, JULY 8, 1880. SELLING THE LAND.

The promise just made by the Government to cut up the Plains and put them into the market for sale and occupation is an important fact for this district. The promise was made by the Minister for Lands, who said, in answering a question, “ It is hoped that blocks of land on the Waimate Plains will bo opened lor sale and settlement on an early date.” This does not let much light into Ministerial intentions; but it is useful and cheering as apledge that a definite policy is in view, and that this policy is in the right direction so far as it goes. The report of the Native Commission must be discussed and disposed of before any step can be taken in Parliament towards putting the Plains into the market. Even under the terms of that report, which gives large areas to Maoris whose claim is very doubtful, there would remain a considerable residue at this end of the Plains available for immediate sale and settlement. The Government might make preparations for putting this in the market at an early date, and their general policy anent the Commissioners’ report could await parliamentary approval. They would then be in a position to utilise the Plains by having all details arranged and waiting for the formal decision of Parliament on the report. Is it too much to expect that a businesslike Government should make these timely preparations, and so obtain a revenue quickly and safely ?