NATIVE LANDS,

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 127, 8 March 1879, Page 3

NATIVE LANDS,

The following, from the ‘ New Zealander,’ tbe leading daily paper in Wellington, will show that, although made light of by the Opposition, the time spent by the Premier and Native Minister is bearing good fruit : During a couple of months the Native Minister (the Hon. Mr- Sheehan) has, until the last few days, been engaged in personally arranging with native owners of lands in various districts of the North Island. His success has been remarkable. In spite of the adverse influence of those who desire to become large purchasers of lands, and that Government should cease to take over these lands from the Maoris, the Native Minister has successfully negotiated for many blocks, comprising ■something approaching from two to three millions of acres. These blocks, which for years it has been the desire of the successive Governments to obtain, have thus been secured to the public. Many natives who had refused to sell thoir land, have voluntarily come in and arranged terms of sale to the Crown. Tims there will be provided a large amount of hind for sett ernent —good land lying in favored and fertile districts, and the sale and occupation of which by industrious settlement will naturally advance our productive power, and establish permanent and ‘.pleasant relations with the native race. The great meeting which is to take place ■at Hikurangi next month is looked forward to with interest. The Premier and ’Native Minister will be present to meet the King, Rewi, Te Whiti, and other -chiefs to settle all formalities regarding land questions and the progress of railways in the North.-Island, and to provide that free intercourse between both races shall be established for ever on a basis of Friendship, Settlement, and Peace. So mote it he 1