THE NATIVE LAND BILL.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 37, 7 November 1907, Page 9

THE NATIVE LAND BILL.

The most important feature of the Bill is, of course, the proposal to discontinue the present methods of acquiring Native lands, and to waive the Crown's pre-emptive right over them. It should bo carefully observed that adequate provision is supposed to bo made for tho needs of the Natives by reserving largo areas for their use beforo the ballance is thrown on tho market. The interests of the Maoris are further safeguarded by preventing disposal of tho lalul by jirivate treaty; and even if the Land Boards or the Public Trustee do not hold some portion of the moneys received in trust on behalf of tho natives, tho Maoris will not be exposed to the same risks as when they dealt with tho "land-shark" of earlier days on their own account. The disposal of leases and freeholds by public auction or tender is infinitely preferable to tho ballot, from tho standpoint of either the Stato or tho private owner. Tho limitation clauses will certainly bo needed, and it is a matter for discussion whether tho 5000 acres limit is not fixed too high. Considering tho character of most of tho Native land, which is nearly all situated in the North Island, tho extension of the optional.system to it is desirable, and in the cause of settlement necessary. On tho whole tho Bill exhibits many satisfactory features, and if only it succeeds in providing somo practicable solution of the interminable Native Lands problem, it Will prove to bo not the least valuablo product of ail eventful year's legislation.—" Auckland Star,"