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Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3738, 9 July 1883, Page 2

The New Zealand Native Lands Settlement Bill has not yet been "tabled," the forms of the House not having been complied with prior to its introduction. AYe have already given our readers a synojisis of this Bill. It is a measure of a most SAveeping character, seeking to establish an entirely new order of things, and if it ever becomes IaAV Avould create a most dangerous monopoly. That most useful officer, the Trust Commissioner under the Native Lands Frauds Prevention Act, has no place in the Bill. The Native Lands Settlement Company is to be held to be alxn-c the commission of fraud, which is the reason, perhaps, why in its dealings with minors or their guardians there is to be no very close enquiry. The Native Land Court is to be subinissivo to the company, and is directed throughout the Bill to further its interests. By making the company a "local body" under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act another tremendous concession is sought to be obtained. It simply means that the company, having acquired large areas of land for purely speculative purposes, shall have power to apply for and obtain grants of money for the construction of main roads, thus making the public pay for increasing the value of its estates. AYe need not here refer more particularly to the several provisions of the Bill, suffice it to ask, where is tho necessity for it ? AA r e can see none except in the interests of shareholders. Concessions such as those asked for in the Bill, if granted, should be paid for in some Avay. It is possible that some of the powers asked for might be advantageously given provided the public obtained a, quid pro quo. But the Bill is one to establish a grab-all company with powers greater than those held by the Crown when the Crown had the only right to acquire native lands. If the Bill were to pass in its original form it would open the door to the company for,the perpetration, if it liked, of the most gigantic swindles, and the power it would possess would effectually shield it from consequences. However, as we have said above, the forms of the House have not been complied with, and it is just likely it will fail to be introduced this session. If it succeeds in getting tabled it will lead to a very warm debate, as it is as strongly supported as it is opposed. The Ministry will oppose it, and a strong party from both sides of the House will bo against it. It is generally believed that Sir George Grey AA'ill support it.