NATIVE LANDS ACT.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 786, 16 June 1877, Page 3

NATIVE LANDS ACT.

Sib.— Some few weeks since mention f was ; made in your: columns of ia jnew Native Lands Act to be brought before the House dirihg. the approaching session. .There can be iio doubt, I think, that such a measure is urgently needed, the present system being anything but satisfactory to either native or European. As a proof of this, I submit the following case Rather more than half a year ago, several natives, who jointly own a block of land in Whata Whata under a Crown grant, decided to lease to the highest bidder, which : was Messrs, Hedger and Laing. An agreement "to lease was -signed by nearly all the native owners, and a considerable amount paid clown in advance by Messrs Hedger and Laing," but before the next instalment of rent became due it was disaovered that ode of the native owners would not sign the lease, which thereby became invalid j neither, would the lessees, Messrs Hedger and LainUipay any more rent until they had a proper lease, They haye posfession, and the' natives cannot lease to any one elae, . although tbey have had good offers. It would not have been so bad, but the owneie, who have hitherto cropped some: of this land have neglected to do so; depending upon tbe rent, which would hare been sufficient: for them. They are now almost starving, and their laud, as far as they are concerned, is * completely in Chancery. , ;.This is only one of ..the many, cases occurring under the present native. land laws, and any advice you or any one" else can give, will be gladly received by the native owners, -who' do. not know which .way to turn. — I am, &c, Justice. Waipa. "-