NATIVE LAND LAWS COMMISSION.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 2917, 26 March 1891, Page 2

NATIVE LAND LAWS COMMISSION.

* Mbsshs W. L. Rues, M.H.K., and Thus. Mackuy, members of tiic alwve commission, arrived in Cambridge (in Tuesday afternoon, accompanied by Mr J. M. Geddis, who acted as secretary and reporter for Hansard, also by Mr J. M. Gannon, native interpreter. The commission is being held for the purpose of making enquiry into and suggestions upon the following matters :—(I) The operation of the existing laws relating to the alienation and disposition of interests in native lauds ; ('J) the general constitution, practice and procedure of the Native Land Court 80 far as may bo necessary to ascertain the operation of the existing laws, and in what respect the constitution, practice and procedure of the court may be simpliliud or amended, or whether the same should be rs-eonstituted ; (3) what class of eases axhibit defects in the present system of dealing with native lands, and what remedy, if any, should be adopted ; (-J) the principles on which interests in native lands shall in future be alienated or disposed of by or on behalf of the native owners, and the manner, terms and conditions in which the same can be carried into effect; and (.">) and generally to ciKpiire into any other matter or thing necessary to elicit lull information in the premises. The commissioners sat in the Public Hall at 7 p.m., when nearly the whole of the natives who are in Cambridge on Land Court business attended, ami the objects of the commission was explained to them. Several of the leading chiefs expressed pleasure at the purport of the commission, and volunteered to give every information in their power. As it WOlild be impossible for the natives to attend the commission and the Land Court, the commissioners asked Judge Pnokey to adjourn the court yesterday, and he consenting, it was accordingly adjourned at 10 a.m., when the commissioners proceeded to take evidence. The Native Commissioners lirst examined Judge L'uokey who appeared to think there was uot much dissatisfaction amongst the natives as to the present method of dealing with native lauds, but be suggested several alterations that he considered would bo advantageous, and would facilitate the work. He did uot think the Maoris could settle a great portion of the business amongst themselves outside the courts, it had been repeatedly tried but had nearly always failed. Mr Win. Moon gave very similar evidence, and recommeuded various alterations in other directions. The ouly other European examined was Mr John Gwynneth, who, amongst other matters, referred to the manner in which the Maoris are fleeced by fraudulent trustees. He suggested that the Government should appoint trustees to receive money for leases and that they should be responsible for its being properly distributed to each individual owner. During the afternoon and evening a number'of Maoris spoke about _ their grievances, many of the subjects introduced being irrevelaut to the work of the Commission. The Cambridge Native Laud Court has keen adjourned to the 2nd pros. The natives evidently thought they had a good thing on when the Commissioners arrived, for at the meeting on Tuesday evening a good portiou of the speeches consisted of Haere mai, and a couple of old fellows each sang a Waiata. This put Mr Rees, M.H.U., i» good feather and he replied in a neat speech that pleased the Maoris down to the ground. It is clearly not the first time he has had dealings with the natives, and lie knows how to tickle their palalej.