MAORI LANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 164, 5 August 1909, Page 3

MAORI LANDS.

A FORWARD MOVEMENT. — Taumarunui, Wednesday. At a banquet to the Acting-Premier last night at Te Kuiti, an important statement was made in regard to the proposed native legislation Replying to an address of welcome, Mr. Carroll said amendments in the Native 'Lund Court proceedings, rating and taxes on Maori lands, and simplification of the Maori Laud Board procedure v.cu'.l lie submitted to the House. The result of the recent conference with the Maoris indicated: that the Maoris were practically unanimous that they should undertake the same responsibilities as Europeans when their lands were used by themselves or leased. For this movement they would claim the rViit to vote for local bodies. Mr. f&rroll said he recognised that s I change was necessary and was glad the M-to'ris had fallen into line. '""•ere was a large and representative "aU ring of settlers present at the (.roceedings, and Mr. Jennings, M.P. for the district, voiced the general opinion when he said that Mr. Carroll's announcement would be received with joy all round, and that an era of renewed prosperity would come to the district and the Dominion by the forward movement in regard to the vexed question of dealing with Maori lauds.