MAORI LANDS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9461, 2 June 1909, Page 3

MAORI LANDS.

Mr Te Heuheu Tukino, the wellknown Maori chief is at present in Wellington, says the Times, with the object of bringing before the Government the resolution adopted at the recent Native Conference at Tokaann, held by the NgatituWharetu tribe. This ttibe controls about a million acres of land, some of it forest land, and some open* country, suitable for settlement. The natives are in strong sympathy with the desire to get these lands settled, and to give the every facility in- this direction, for the benefit of both Maoris and Europeans. ‘ ‘ The Maoris are not hostile to the settlement of their land. . They .are in favour of it, and they would do their best to that end, except that they want it done under a system that is fair to them. I approve the recent legislation in the direction of settling native lands, although, of course, some amendments are still required. In regard to the million acres, the subject of the resolution passed by the conference, we think that one-third should he put up for sale; part of it leased, and the other [portion kept for the native owners themselves to wcrk.

“This land may be classed as second-class, and extends over a wide area, starting from the Ruahines, on the Hawke’s Bay side, to Lake Taupo, and going righ| dowp to Taumaranui, on the Main Trunk line There ace about a thousand natives in the ownership of these million acres. Some of it is pumice country, but it could be turned to profitable use . bush land if pleaied would-be very valuable, for it retains it£ Ihoisture.

“I have been*watching the native legislation foivthe past seventeen years. I have told my people that this is a long time to keep their land locked up, and getting no results from it. I have urged them to open the country, as there was no use owning it® and not benefiting thereby, ’* ■ ■