The Waikato Argus [PUBLISHED DAILY.] WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1901.

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1127, 18 December 1901, Page 2

The Waikato Argus [PUBLISHED DAILY.] WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1901.

We note that Mr Carroll, Native Minister, purposes visiting this district at an early date, the alleged object being to get the Maori Land Councils into working order. At present there is a deadlock. The Government have 'ceased to purchase, and until these Councils are established and in working order land cannot be obtained from the natives either by lease or purchase. We have always maintained tl at the Government were not justified in acquiring by compulsion or otherwise land already in beneficial occu pation until the Crown lands were occupied and no further land was procurable from the natives. The purchase of native land ceased liecause there was no further money available for the purpose. Money was found, however, to acquire settled estates which were already returning a revenue by taxation and production. The natives now have the right to deal with their land as they may wish, with the safeguard of a Council to see that they are not unfairly dealt with, and precautions are compulsory that none of them are left landless and therefore liable to become burdens upon the State, It is to bo hoped that Mr Carroll’s visit will expedite matters, We can see no reason why the natives should stand aloof. If they object to selling, there is no reason why they should not grant long leases, so that the land can be beneficially occupied by Europeans and the owners derive an annual income therefrom.