NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

Waikato Argus, Volume V, Issue 349, 4 October 1898, Page 2

NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

DEPUT ATI 0 N 0 F WAIKATO NATIVES TO THE PREMIER. (BY TBLTIOBAPH- -PttESS ASSOCIATION). WELLINGTON, Last Night. A deputation of Kiug Country natives waited on the Premier and Hon. J. Carroll this afternoon and discussed the question of passing legislation suitable to their tribes as set forth in Kaihau's Maori Council Constitution Bill. Taiugakawa, one of Mahuta's chief advisers, was one of the deputation, and wished to ascertain the views of the Government towards the Maori Bill. In reply Mr Seddon said he was very anxious to meet the King Datives on some common ground upon which they could work, particularly in the direction of legislation which would be agreeable to both natives and Government. He had read the Bill meutioned by the deputation very carefully, and in his opinion there were many powers asked for in it, which could not be. granted by Parliament. The Bill might, however, contain suggestions of an important nature acceptable to the Government, and perhaps after discussion and an explanation by the Government as to how far Parliament could be expected to go in the matter, and also the Government's ideas as to what was necessary in the interests of the natives, something might be thrashed out agreeable to all parties ami in their general interests. It would not do to carry anything by any sudden movement, and it would be necessary to think the matter over carefully. He would be very glad to meet Mahuta and discuss matters with him, which would be a much better means of coming to an understanding than by writing, which was such a long process that the millenium would arrive before a solution. He hoped Mahuta would come as soon as possible and thresh the matter out.