SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 21, 15 June 1914, Page 7

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

DUALS WITH NATIVE LANDS. _____ Auckland, Friday. ' Sir Joseph Ward returned last evening from a tour through the Xorth Auckland district, and in the course of an interview this morning, ho said he had been delighted with the receptions ■which lie had received. Wherever he went the people had been most cordial, and he had had big meetings everywhere. Sir Joseph said he noticed t.tut criticism was being levelled at him in connection with the welcome extended to him by the .Maoris at Horoeke and Rawene. The suggestion has been made without foundation that he was opposed to progressive settlement of native land. It was surely hardly necessary to declare this was contrary to fact. He had made this abundantly clear when replying to the Maoris at the places mentioned, where, in welcoming him, they had referred to their own trouble. He fully realised that complete settlement of native lands throughout the Dominion was essential to future progress and welfare. At the same time, he had made it clear that proper consideration for natives was equally essential, and that care would be required to he exercised that tho.v would not be denuded of their land, particularly for speculative purposes. Bona fide settlement was one thing, and a purchase of native land for speculative purposes was quite another. Fictitious values and enormous increase in • price brought about by speculation would mean penalising future settlers for years to come.