The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1891. BRIGHTENING PROSPECTS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2204, 21 May 1891, Page 2

The Temuka Leader THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1891. BRIGHTENING PROSPECTS.

The Wellington correspondent of the Lyttelton Times says that the Natives are unanimously agreed with regard to the proposals of the Government, and that very shortly 10,000,000 acres of Native land will be open for settlement under the perpetual leasing system. So far, very little concerning the proposals of the Government have been published, but we believe that we are right in saying that the scheme will be on the following lines:—After a suitable Act has been passed by Parliament, the Government will go to the Native owners and lease the land from them on a perpetual lease. Then they will let this land on the same terms to Europeans. Under such circumstances, therefore, the Maoris will not be the landlords of the Europeans; in fact, the Maoris will have nothing to do but take their rents from a Government officer and live on the fat of the land. In order to carry out this scheme it is, we believe, the intention to create a board of trustees, or something of that kind, to manage these affairs and see that the Natives, as well as the tenants, are fairly and justly, treated, If this system is inaugurated, with the full concurrence of the Natives, it will make New Zealand a prosperous country. On 10,000,000 acres an energetic Government could settle 10,000 settlers in ten years. Allowing five to each family, including servants, that would mean 50,000 people. These people would be developing the resources of the colony, producing wealth, and - increasing our exports. That is what would put life into the country and make it prosperous and happy. Let the Government carry out this scheme and make it kndwn in other countries that land can be had on such favorable terms as they can offer, and «ve shall soon regain onr lost population. Men will come from other lands to settle down in this, and they will help us to bear the burden of our taxation.

The history of our dealings with the Natives is not always to pur credit. Two distinct modes have been adopted. The Atkinson or Tory party’s mode was to allow freetradei in Native land : that is, anyone could go and make the best bargain he could with the Natives. Under this system the greatest rascality has been practised. The poor natives have in some instances been robbed of their property,

mere trifles having been given to them for it. More scoundrelly transactions have taken place in this waylhan anyone has any idea of, hut the Tories insisted on its continuance because it suited them, since only the wealthy classes could secure the land. The Liberal party had a different system, They stopped all these transactions, and the reason they were not well supported by North Island members was because a large percentage of North Islanders are in some way connected with Native land. They j have bought land, they want to buy it, or they are agents, interpreters, or something having an interest in the freetrade system. The Liberal party insisted on Native land transactions being carried on through the Government, after the land had been passed through the Native Lands Court, and fenced the whole business around with restrictions that prevented land-shark-ing and swindling. This was the Stout-Yogel policy, bat the Atkmsonians went back to the old system again. Under the freetrade system the Europeans were seldom able to get a good title to their land, and it was to investigate and adjust these defective titles that Judge Edwards was appointed, so that everything connected with Native affairs is rotten, root and branch. Now the present Government are determined to take a new departure, that will be extremely beneficial both to Natives and Europeans. The Natives who sold their land, sometimes for little more than whiskey and tobacco, have been ruined, and if the system were to go on they would all be ruined, and would have to be supported out of charitable aid. Under the proposed system the rents will keep the Natives in comfort, aad the Europeans will get a bargain, out of which they will be able to make for themselves happy homes. We have been the first to suggest this scheme, and we feel glad indeed at finding that it is likely to be carried into effect.

SISTER ROSE GERTRUDE. Sistee Kobe Geetettde, otherwise known by the name of Mias Amy Fowler, is married. So the cablegram tells us. Hers is a curious story. She is the daughter of a Church of England clergyman, and some years ago became a convert to the Roman Catholic faith. When the world began to sing the praises of the heroic Father Damien, the apostle of the lepers, Miss Fowler felt an irresistible impulse to devote her life to the amelioration of the condition of the poor afflicted lepers, and with that object in view made her preparations. There is some mystery which we have not seen explained concerning her title as Sister Rose Gertrude. She does not appear to have joined any of the known orders of nuns, and when she reached her destination it is said the priests there declined to receive her as a nun. At any rate she prepared so as to fit herself for the position of a nurse, and after having submitted to the very unnunlike process of being interviewed by newspaper men, she set out on her voyage and reached her destination safely. On her arrival she immediately proceeded to her work, but those stupid things which are known as rules and regulations, and which are always curtailing people’s liberty, began to barrass her at every hand’s turn. She was not allowed to enter the main settlement at all, but bad to content herself with doing duty on the outskirts. About the same time there arrived from Germany a young doctor, who was supposed to have special qualifications for treating leprosy, and naturally, of course, he soon came in contact with the handsome nurse. It was soon whispered that they were seen walking together; then there was a big inquiry as to the conduct of a man servant of the place, egainst whom the amiable Sister Rose Gertrude complained. It was alleged that it was through spitefulness the good sister complained, because she suspected him of having carried some tales concerning the German doctor and herself, but, be that as it may, she came off second beat in the inquiry. The priests, who it is said never recognised her as a sister belonging to any order, became more pronounced ija their opposition to her than ever when it became known that she was not acting exactly in accordance with her pretensions, and all resulted in her veil being thrown off. She has now married the German doctor. Hers is indeed a unique history. For believers in fate it makes up a, striking proof of the faith that is in them There on one aide is this young English lady impelled by fate to adopt this course, till at last she settles thousands of miles away from her home. She has apparently determined on never marrying, but no sooner has she seen the German doctor (whom fate has sent to meet her), than her resolutions melt into thin air. This is the way the fatalist would look at her story, but, whatever way it is looked at it is interesting and remarkable, and we sincerely trust it will result in the future happiness of the parties most concerned. There can be no doubt that Miss Fowler was actuated by pure motives in leaving her home for the purpose of helping the most helpless of God’s creatures, and if she has yielded to a natural weakness few will refuse to forgive her.