NATIVE LAND PURCHASES.

Waikato Times, Volume VII, Issue 386, 3 November 1874, Page 2

NATIVE LAND PURCHASES.

Less than two years ago, says the Herald, there wus no little scandal caused by the discovery of a system of laud purchases effected from natives by Europeans, in which tho equivalents given were of the most unsatisfactory nature. The enquiry made by Judge Richmond, as to certain dealings of this kind in Hawko's Bay province, disclosed transactions, which were shown to be disgraceful and' dishonest. Tho Trust Commissioner, in connection with the Native Lands' Frauds Prevention Act, in Wellington, has issued the following circular, which will bo of interest to pultons who have been dealing ,witji natives, and whose deeds have not yet parsed the ordeal of commissioner examination :—: — " In order to expedite the passing of deeds, it would bo convenient if persons submitting them for Trust Commissioner's certificates would furnish evidence on the following points :—: — A. Whether any spirituous liquors, arms, or other warlike stores formed, or (in event of unpaid instalments) shall form part of tho consideration. 13. Whether cash has been paid or not. C. What pricos are charged where goods are given. D. Whether any line or forgift diminishes the annual lental of leasehold properties which tho deed refers to. I']. Whether there is sufficient land outside the liuundniios specified in. tin 1 deed for the future wants of the natives alienating. The above evidence should be either on oatb or by statutory declaration. If it be not practical to obtain the declarations of all the mortgagors, vendors, or lessors in a group, it will be sufficient if two or more of tho principal natives in the transactions make the declarations relating to A. and J). In respect to B. the receipts (or certified copies) of tho natives should he forwarded. i In respoct to C. if goods have formed part of the consideration inonev or rent, all items with their prices and dates of delivery should l>e shewn. In respect to E, it. a\ i'l be wifiirient if *he deolaration iti made by a Resident Magistrate, a local Missionary, a Land Purchase Commissioner, or a Government District Surveyor. [t is observed that in some instances mortgages are effected b> natives, in order to pay the arrears of interest of former mortgages. As the eiled of 1 Mich a praetioo must be speedily to reduce the natives to paupei ihin, f.uch cnw» will require very close attention and rigid investigation on the part of all ooncernedi | Chaut/ek Heapiiy, ! Trust Commissioner."