The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact Justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1890.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2764, 1 April 1890, Page 2

The Waikato Times AND THAMES VALLEY GAZETTE. Equal and exact Justice to all men, Of whatsoever state or persuasion, religious or political. TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 1890.

Tiik natire lands of the colony have always been a fruitful source of annoyance. On no subject has there been so much and such varied legislation. Indeed it is the continual alteration of the Native Land Laws that has caused a great deal of the present confusion. An act passed one session to be either amended or repealed the next, a line of policy instituted by one Government to be violently reversed by their successors in office, was enough to irritate the natives and to fill Europeans with disgust. Vacilation in legislation must necessarily bo demoralising in its effects on the people. Indecision in dealing with native races has at all times proved disastrous.

Some years ago when what was termed freetrade in native land was at its height, a great out-cry was raised at what was alleged to be the wholesale robbery of the natives. Large tracts of country were then purchased by speculators from the native owners. It is now clear that the natives obtained very nearly double the value of their land. At one time however the purchasers were thought to be obtaining the laud at far less than its actual value and partly from a desire to protect the natives restrictive legislation was demanded by a considerable portion of the community.

To anyone who knows anything of the history of the colony it must bo apparent that we have been far more indulgent and considerate with the natives than with our own people. Their rights havo been considered and their interests more jealously guarded than those of the European population. In this respect therefore, there should lie no cause for complaint. The Maoris were a conquered race, and the vanquished are always entitled to generous , treatment. It must have been from some feelings such as these and from an over anxiety to protect the interests of the natives, that tlio measures restricting the sale of all native lands to theGoverament wero passed. It was in fact a kind of panic logislation, because somo unscrupulous persons required checking in their dealings with, tho natives, it was thought necessary to abruptly stop all land purchasing from natives, and thus lock up largo tracts of country. The natives might well cry " save us from our friends." Those whom this kind of legislation was intended to benefit most, proved to be the greatest sufferers, tho land, tho solo possession of the natives, was forbidden to be sold to anyone but the Government. The natives had always been accustomed, when in iwed of

money, to sell certain portions of their lande, and thus obtain the necessary means to supply tlioir wants. This source of income was abruptly cut off without the slightest warning. They could only sell to the Government such portion of their lands aa. the Government chose, or were in a position to buy, and at such prices as they felt disposed tor offer: The result was, that the natives found themselves reduced to in many cases absolute want, their only available asset was unmarketable.

Although, as we have said, the natives were the principal sufferers, there can be no doubt that the colony, but more especially the North.lsland, felt the ill effects of, this drastic change. Large suras of money, that had been flowing into the colony for investment in native lands, suddenly ceased. A large area of country that might have been opened up for settlement was condemned to absolute idleness. The owners of the land were incapable of using it, and those who were capable were forbidden. The whole community, white and coloured, have suffered accordingly. These restrictions it is true, have been modified to a certain extent, but a large tract of country still remains locked up, unoccupied and idle.

A change is now evidently working in the minds of those who formerly held with these restrictive measures. The originators of this policy were probably actuated with a desire to protect the natives, but the means by which they sought to accomplish this end have had a disastrous result. It is now becoming recognised that the native population is rapidly decreasing, and that it is useless to tie up large areas of country for people who will never require it, and who will be quite incapable of using it. More than this, the Maoris, in common with ourselves, enjoy the privileges and protection that are obtained by taxation. It is therefore nothing but fair that their property should be liable to the same charges as that of the European population. In other words, that the natives should be treated in respect of their landed estate, as well aa in other respects, like ourselves.

If reserves were made sufficiently large for all possible requirements of the natives, they might well be allowed to deal with the remainder of their property as they thought tit. If this were done it would greatly improve the condition of the native population, and also materially lighten the financial burdens of the colony. Capital would again flow in for investment, the country would be opened up for settlement and the yield derived from the taxation of the land in the ordinary course would be a welcome addition to the revenue. It is manifestly unjust that native land should be exempt from taxation, while all European property is liable to a heavy impost.

It is gratifying to learn from the recent utterances of some of our public men that this line of policy in native affairs will meec with general support, in placing the Maoris in respect of property in the same position as the Europeans. We may therefore hope that at no distant date measures will be introduced to give effect to this desirable change. It will of course meet with the usual amount of opposition ia certain circles, but we believe that there is every prospect, that a policy so manifestly to tho advantage of both races will soon have the full force of law.

Instead of a large area of land lying idle;, it would be gradually brought under cultivation and settled with farmers and agriculturists. With a returning population and an increased productive power the future prosperity of the eolony would be assured. In fact we do not know of any measure more likely to attract outside attention and to draw population to eur shores than an equitable adjustment of the Native Land Laws.