THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, JULY 29, 1907. NATIVE LANDS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8497, 29 July 1907, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. MONDAY, JULY 29, 1907. NATIVE LANDS.

The report of the Native Lands Commission, whatever may be its'general value, undoubtedly emphasises one feature of the native land question, namely, its extremely complicated character. Since the acquisition of native lands was commenced, in the early days of the colony, up to the present time, each successive Government appears to have "muddled along" in a surprisingly incompetent manner. We have professed an enormous degree of solicitude for the welfare of the Maoris, but our treatment of J:hem is not a matter to boast about. If the native land question had been dealt with in a proper manner years ago there is no question that it would have been the very best service that the Government could have rendered the native race. Close settlement of the land in the interests of the country generally was greatly needed, while the Maoris should have been (and must be if they are not going to decay away altogether) protected against themselves. So far as was possible, they should not have been allowed to squander away their money, they should have been trained to work intelligently, to ' practise economy, and shielded from the worst vices of the white man. The task of doing what is best for the Maori and the inaugurating and carrying out of a policy of close settlement of native land is simply Herculean. The present Government is making some effort to alter the condition of affairs, but they appear to be working at a slow rate. The report, which is probably the be.t that could have been obtained, deals only with some 526,000 acres, while there are 8,000,000 acres of native lands requiring attention. However, if once a 'start upon proper lines is made, the Government should subsequently be able to make more rapid progress with the objects that they have in view. Limited space precludes any attempt to comment, on the present occasion, upon the different matters in regard to which the

Commission has reported exhaustively. However, in connection with the sale of Maori lands it may be -mentioned that the Commission says : —"Theoretically the Crown does not buy unless the owners are willing to sell. But the experience of half a century shows—That in the absence of competition produced by restrictive legislation, and in the face of encumbrances due to litigation and survey costs, circumstances are created which practically compel the Maori people to sell at any price. .... That the weaknesses and improvidence of the race are directly appealed to. The sight of a Government cheque-book and the prospect of a good time at the hotels or on tie racecourse or of an investment in tbe latest motor-car are sufficient for the majority of owners in any native land block to waive all consideration, and to put their signatures to the purchase deeds. . . . The only fair thing, in our opinion, both to the Maori owners and all would-be purchasers or lessees is that the latter should be put on an equality, and this can only be attained by allowing the to become the purchaser or' lessee, but limiting the persons who can become competitors according to the extent of their land holdings at the time of sale, so as to accord with the policy of the country in respect of Crown lands. After making various recommendati >ns the Commission also recommends that certaiirpowers be given to boards, as follows: (a) May sell land or part thereof — (i.) If owners so desire, after due enquiry as to their wishes. (ii.) In order to raise money for the pf roading, surveying, opening land for settlement or to discharge liens and encumbrances. (iii.) In order to raise money to enable owners to farm, or for purcnase of other lands for them. (iv.) To the Crown for the purpose of State forest reserves, reserves, parks, etc. (b) May lease (following generally section 8 The Maori Land Settlement Act, 1905.) And may set aside, out of areas to be leased to general public, sections to be leased to Maoris other than the owners. (c) May borrow money on the security of land or revenue for purposes indicated in clause 3, (a), (ii) and (iii). (d) May make reserves for burial places, etc. Provisoes: All sales and leases to be by auction to the highest bidder,, subject to the following limitations (i) No person may acquire land, either by purchase or lease, if unimproved value thereof, together with unimproved value of land he already owns, or holds under any tenure, exceeds £3,000. Declaration necesary. (ii.) iNo sub-lease or transfer without consent of boai'd, who shall require sub-lessee or transferee to make declaration as in case (i). (e) Three-fourths of the net proceeds of sales to be jjpaid to Public Trusteee for investment. As to lands set apart for Maori occupation and farming, the commission recommends that the board should have the following powers:— (a) Reserve burial places. (b) Set aside village sites and issue occupation licenses to defined areas therein to native owners, so as to secure good government in the kaingas. (c) Set aside papakSlngas for in- | dividuals, families, or tribes. (d) Set aside blocks or parts of blocks as communal farms under the management of competent farmers, and to form the nucleus of farming communities. ! (e) Grant leases to Maori tenants specified by the owners for such terms as it may think fit, or issue certificates of partnership to members of families wishing to farm their subdivisions, or declare the owners of any land incorporated, in order that the land maybe farmed under a committee elected by the owners. (f) Leases may contain provision (i) Exempting lessee from payment of rent for term not exceed ; ng four years; (ii) requiring a percentage of improvements to ba effected each year, and compelling residence and effective occupation within a prescribed time; (iii) for forfeiture of lease, saving value of improvements, and offer of land to other owners —failing them, to general public. (g) Raise money on security of land or revenue for purpose of advancing to Maori owners farming, or may out of proceeds of any sa'e form a fund for the purpose. Regulations as to terms, interest, etc. 5