NATIVE LANDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 27, 1 February 1907, Page 2

NATIVE LANDS.

OPENING OF THE COMMISSION. [BT IKLEfflaArn.— FBE33 ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 31st January. The Native Lands Commission recently appointed by the Government for the purpose of preparing an exhaustive report upon matters in connection with the native lands of the colony op.ened its proceedings in the Christ-church Supreme Court this afternoon, under the Presidency of the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout). The Hon. Dr. Fimllay, Attorney-General, represented tho Government, and Mr. C. P. Skerrett appeared on behalf of the native interests. His Honour said that his colleague (Mr. Ngata) had been unable to reach Chris tchurch. He considered it better to meet without " im, however, to let it bo seen what ihe objects of tho commission were. The work of tho' commission would be onerous. There wore no fewer than 7,500,000 acres of land still uelonging to tho natives, and 3,000,000 acres were totally unproductive. The problem of dealing with this huge area, of which a great proportion was valuable, had long occupied publac attention, Facilities were being given for the fullest enquiry, as' far as maps and statistics were con- > cerned. He had made a request for the attendance of a barrister to represent the Maoris whenever necessary, and the Government had acceded to tho request. Such an officer was regularly employed in tho Courts of France. Dr. Findlay quoted figures showing the distribution of the native lands in tho colony. Most of the 4500 square miles was fit for cultivation, but it had been neglected ever since the colony was inhabited by white people, indicating an appalling economic loss. With tho greatest profit to the colony and to the natives a largo proportion, of tho land could be settled by Europeans. It was recognised by the Government that a long and arduous task lay befoio the commission, and the Government would render all tho assistance possible. Mr. Skerrett had been appointed by the Government as active legal adviser to the Maoris, and Mr. A. L. D. Fraper as his assistant. If it was necessary for anyone to represent the Crown ho himself would do so. Ho hoped tho commission would solve a great and perplexing problem and earn tho blessings and gratitude of both races. Mr. Skerrett said it was impossible to exaggerate tho importance of a scheme for the better utilisation of the unprofitable nativo lands. He appeared as the legal representative of the native owners to protect their rights and interests and the correct disposition of their property. He gathered that the basis of the referencp was that regard was first, to be had fov the rights and requirements of native owners, and that after that tho lands not required wero to bo made fit for settlement. The opinions of nativo owners, loyai subjects o£ the King, should not be given every consideration, but they should bo given all possible weight, subject to the conditions necessary to secure the ownership of the lands against fraud and carelessness. His Honour said ho was very pleased that Mr. Skerrett had been appointed to the position of tho natives' representative. Another meeting of the commission would be held On Tuesday next.