SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2631, 10 March 1894, Page 1

SETTLEMENT OF NATIVE LANDS.

The Hon. Mr Seddon addressed a large meeting of Maoris at Moawhango, and impressed upon them that the Government could no longer allow millions of acres of land to remain in a state of nature while thousands of people are wanting land to settle upon and cultivate. The same remarks applied to Europeans, and it was the intention of the Government to ask Parliament next session for power to take laud from Europeans for settlement purposes,—that was, where land was being held in large areas and kept in a state of nature with only a few sheep running upon it. This was the class of land they required for settlement, and the Government would take, it, whether or not the owner liked, Ample provision would be made for natives whose laud should betaken; either reserves would be set apart for their support or the Government would issue debentures in payment for the laud, these debentures to pay interest and be uou-trausferahle, so that the natives could not be pauperised. The interest accruing from these debentures would be equal to an annuity for themselves and their children for all time, The natives said they would set up a committee to deal with their lands and negotiate with the Government on the tribe’s behalf.