NATIVE LANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 132, 5 June 1900, Page 5

NATIVE LANDS.

LEGISLATION DESIRED BY THE

MAORIS.

HON. J. CARROLL'S IDEAS,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day

I am informed by the Hon. J. Carroll, Minister for Native Affairs, that at the various meetings of natives recently held throughout the country an almost unanimous feeling was shown in favour of Parliament passing some legislation dealing with native lands, similar to that proposed by the Government in the last session of Parliament. One result of the proceedings, of the Maori Parliament, held at Rotorua, was that proposals were adopted indicating the willingness of the tribes to acquiesce in the Government plans in respect to dealing with native lands. They appointed a committee to attend the .Maori meeting at Waahi (Taupiri), and lay before them their conclusions and endeavour, if possible, to obtain the concurrence of that section of the Maori jieople with respect to what they had resolved upon doing. The Maori Parliament brought together delegates from the Ngapuhi, the East and West Coast tribes, Taupo and a portion of the King Country.

From what Mr Carroll has heard, it would seem that the "King." party still interpose obstacles to a settlement of all outstanding difficulties being arrived at. It must, however, be understood that this section is comparatively small in numbers, and that for many years past it has been living in sufferance on the lands of the great Ngatimauiapoto tribe, the Waikatos having lost their ancestral lands by confiscation as the result of the war of 1563-5. But the King party still cling to their old dreams of establishing- an independent form of Government, which would in some way recognise the King as their head! No doubt Henare Kaihau, who is the representative of the King party in Parliament, will make a bold bid for the passing of a Bill of that character, such as was introduced by him in the last Parliament-. But he is not likely to effect his object, because the Maoris outside the King party are averse to it, and more inclined to fall in with the Government proposals. The probabilities are that some sort of compromise will be effected when Parliament meets, on a basis which will assimilate the views at present at variance. Then the Government and Parliament will review the native proposals, and reduce them to a practical form. So far as can be outlined at present,^ the chief points will be:— (1) The cessation of Government purchase of native lands.

_ (2) The parcelling out of the colony into native land districts.

(3) The appointment in each district of a Board, consisting of the most intelligent of the Maoris, aided by Europeans, who will administer the native lands on lines akin to those which now govern Crown lands, the first consideration being the setting apart of sufficient reserves for the use and occupation of the native owners. (4) The individualisation of native titles where the quality of the land is such as will permit of that being done profit ably, .

(o) The leasing of the rest of the -.Tlr. ands as indicatecl, if possible, with the general consent of the natives and Europeans comprising the Boards constituted by the Government, (6) These boards will take the place of the existing Native Land Court! and carry out such work as is now performed by that tribunal.

_ The main points which will be kept m view are the better utilisation of the native lands for the benefit of the Maoris, and assisting settlement by the most inexpensive method of administration. Circumstances may arise in which the State will have in the first place to administer sOme of the native lands and hand them over to the Maori owners when that can be done with safety. The whole scheme is mostly based upon the proposals submitted to Parliament last session. In Mr Carroll's opinion in many cases the readiest way to solve the question would be for* the natives to hand over all their land to the Government, which would advise as to the best means of administering the land, the natives having a voice in the management; but until Parliament meets and the several representatives of the various sections of natives interested in the question meet together, it would be premature at this stage to say definitely on what lines the Maoris are likely to agree, or what proposals will ultimately be adopted; but in the case of the extreme sections of the "Kingites," who at present are not disposed to consent to a practical compromise, Mr Carroll has very plainly indicated that if they persist in endeavouring to block measures which have been conceived in a spirit of benevolent regard fpr the true interests of the race, the Government will not hesitate in its plain duty of passing legislation, if necessary, without their consent, and enforcing the will of Parliament.

Both the Premier and Mr Carroll fully recognise the importance of the questions at issue, and are anxious to preserve the race from becoming pauperised by frittering away their lands and means of subsistence. In fact, if the Government errs at all, in the opinion of some Europeans it is in the direction of a too paternal solicitude for the natives a.nd disregard of the interests of those who favour an open market for Maori lands. But Mr Carroll, with his thorough knowledge of the interests and aspirations of the tribes, as well as what will ultimately conduce to the speedy and successful settlement of the country, may be trusted to do what is just and expedient for the best interests of both races.

If he can succeed in solving a problem which has baffled the skill of the ablest of his predecessors, he will have performed a task worthy of a political Hercules, and will deserve well of his country.