WELLINGTON NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 81, 7 April 1902, Page 2

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(By Telegraph.—Own -Oorrespondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day. The Native Minister was occupied this morning in a conference with Colonel Newall regarding the preparatory steps for arming and drilling the 5000 Maori Mounted Rifle Volunteers. INEBRLVTES' HOME. The Minister- of Education, who visited the Waitati Inebriates' Home, near Dunedin, speaks in high term.*of the progress made. He hopes the institution will be open for patients in a fortnight. DISPOSAL OF MAORI LANDS. The "New Zealand Times" generally ■approves of the Premier's new native land proposals, by which landplaced at the disposal od! Maori Councils will be treated on ithe same principle as Crown kinds, being loaded with expenses of surveying, roading, etc. MAORI MOUNTED CORPS. Whilst supporting the Premier's proposals regarding the aiming and drilling of 500 Maoris, which appeals to the self-respeot' of a native hy placing him on the same footing as Europeans, especially relating to the profession of arms, the "Times" expresses regret that suoh a proceeding will tend to create the impression that the Government desire- to send M_oris for a run through Africa, fighting in tjheir own way, and sparing no foe, who might otherwise eat them. There is, the "Times" adds, also danger of' a Ministry coming into power who would reverse the native land policy. The "Post" adversely criticises .the tone of the Premier's remarks at Bapawai regarding the drilling and arming of Maoris as likely .to increase Anglophobia on ,the Continent of Europe, toujfc £$}£}!»-.