The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. GISBORNE, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1883. THE NEW ZEALAND NATIVE LAND SETTLEMENT CO.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 15, 29 November 1883, Page 2

The Telephone. PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY, THURSDAY AND SATURDAY MORNINGS. GISBORNE, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1883. THE NEW ZEALAND NATIVE LAND SETTLEMENT CO.

The more we hear of the proceedings of this second “South Sea bubble” the greater is our conviction that some really grand disclosures will eventuate ere iong. Like a bright meteor —through the refined behavior of the presiding geniuses of the “Settlement Co.”—the scheme flashed on the commercial horizon of this Colony ; blit, unfortunately for the aspirants to pecuniary greatness, the shooting star has come down like a rocket and expended its lustre in a most ignominious manner. Glancing through faithful records of the moneymaking scheme, we find that the astute Repudiation party came to this district in the fond anticipation of a bright future being in store for them, and so successful were they in carrying out the glorious work they undertook that certain titles became upset, and the precious congregation of honorable men obtained land on “ philanthropical principles I” Good heavens I Would it be believed in ordinary commercial circles that the “ friends ” of the Maori proved themselves to be of so disinterested and generous a disposition that they actually accepted land “on trust ” — for the benefit of the Native, of course ? Then the prime movers in the philanthropic scheme conceived the grand idea of instituting a “ Native Land Settlement C 0.,” and, backed up by a mighty “ pawn shop,” laid the flattering unction to their souls that their course was clear and would lead them on to affluence! Sad delusion! Certainly, so successful were they for a time that many Natives handed over large estates to the astute financial clique, and felt proud, of course, to have the honor of becoming shareholders m the wonderful Company, without even understanding the purposes of the association, or receiving the smallest consideration for the inheritance of their fathers. Naturally, glowing promises proved to be not very scarce while the negotiations were going on, and the unsophisticated Native anticipated he was dealing with gentlemen whose word was their bond—that, in fact, he was about to enjoy some of the blessings of civilization, and participate in the good things that talented, refined, and conscientious gentlemen—in a spirit of philanthrophy—kindly gathered for him. The bubble has, however, burst —or, at least, the financial difficulties of this precious congregation of saints are such that even the most inconsiderate “ pawn shop will not dare, we should think, to assist the philanthropists to further prosecute their woWe movements —for the benefit of the tootrustful Maori ! Even Tom Russell must now see, we opine, that the

“ little game ” is done, and the Auckland Co. cannot but feel less proud of its intended associations than formerly. Whether Dr. Pollen's visit to Gisborne, a few days since, had anything to do with an examination into the affairs of this honorable Co. we are not prepared to say ; but, certain it is, that that gentleman—who bears the name of being a man of integrity—must have learnt enough while in this place to convince him that the movements of the promoters of this glorious “ Land Settlement Company ” have not been such as to warrant any honest individual in assisting to carry out the scheme any farther. In a previous issue of this paper we published the balance-sheet of the “ New Zealand Native Land Settlement Company (Limited),” which clearly points out the radical failure of the wretched scheme, and it will be always our aim to expose any act of trickery that may be likely to have a prejudicial effect on the interests of the community we have the honor of representing.