PROPOSED NATIVE LAND LAWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3051, 4 February 1892, Page 2

PROPOSED NATIVE LAND LAWS.

(by telegraph.—press association.) Wellington, Last Night. MAJOR Kemp in view of the recent native meetings at Parakino, is circulating among the Maoris of the North Island, a petition to the House of Representatives in which the demands of the natives with respect to their land are set forth. Practically the following demands are embodied in this document as translated by Col. McDonnell : (1). The native lands to be conducted under lease for a time, the leases to be under the improvement clauses and on other terms which may be beneficial to those owning lands; after all leases expire the land to return to the owner with all improvements, (2). Committees are to be selected from the tribes; the members for tho committees not to exceed twelve, who will appoint a chairman under whom they will act, and thoy will conduct all matters concerning native lands in future—such as surveys, law matters, and leases —that may bo entertained by the tribe, or tribes, whose land, or lands, are under consideration. (3) The Parliament of Sew Zealand is to make these committees, (-1) Parliament shall appoint a person, or persons, to decide ro hearings. (5) Parliament shall proclaim districts and appoint the respective committees, and the conducting of business shall bo in accordance with the boundaries of the respective tribes. (0) All precious or valuable stones found on native land shall be dealt with by the native owners. (7) Rates shall be paid by the lessee of the lands, and shall be equal to 2iper cent, of tho moneys paid to the lessor per annum, these rates shall bo paid yearly, but when the lease is up all rates shall cease, and be levied on the land that is not under to anyone. (S) All Native Land Court laws shall be utterly abolished and done away with, and nil persons administering to same, or who are working under its laws