NATIVE LANDS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10692, 13 August 1912, Page 4

NATIVE LANDS.

The proposals of the Massey Government in regard to the Native lands of the Dominion are being awaited with some interest. Twelve months ago, or more, this paper advocated the acquisition of the surplus Native lands by way . of lease at a fair rate of interest, leaving the ascertaining of titles to be an ulterior step. Wo suggested that the lands should bo

leased, or sold to Europeans and Native.; v ■ email areas, and that ' the proceeds should -be vested in tho Public Trustee for the> benefit of the various tribes. It appeared to n:* that this would offer an immediate and practical solution of the Native land problem, and that, as the Natives would ho ablo to draw only the interest on the capital value of their estate, thoy would never become a ' permanent burden upon the community. The proposal has bean criticised as an abrogation of the rights held 'by the Natives under the Treaty of JWaitaugi; but we contend that the Legislature is quite entitled to adopt 1 this course, provided always that the I future interests of the Natives are not prejudiced. It is a s-candal that Native la.;ids should remain idle and worthless when Europeans are crying out for the opportunity of acquirinr 'lonier.. and of converting tho desolate •.v-sstcs into smiling home-steals.