THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1874.

Grey River Argus, Volume XIV, Issue 1726, 18 February 1874, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. PUBLISHED DAILY. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1874.

It is a matter for congratulation that despite the intricacies of the subject, and the complicated interests involved, the leaseholders' of the Greymouth Native Reserve have agreed to a course of action to be pursued by the deputation which it is proposed shall proceed to Wellington. It was almost impossible that any one single proposition would be accepted by the various parties interested, and as it was above all things necessary that the deputation should be backed up by a unanimous expression of opinion on the part of those whose interests they are to represent, it was perhaps the wisest thing to agree to alternative proposals— one in favor of selling the land, and the other in favor of an extension of the existing leases, the rights and interests of the sublessees to be protected in either case. It should be observed, and this has by most people been overlooked, that the Govern* ment have) under the existing law, the

power to sell. It does not require fresh , legislation to accomplish this end, but it is nevertheless the fact, as was pointed out by some of the speakers at the last meeting, that it is highly improbable that the Government would take this course if it were opposed by the Natives immediately interested. There are two Native members in the Executive Council, and it is a tacit understanding that their advice shall be largely consulted in all matters affecting the Native race. Should the Maoris interested in Greymouth object to the sale of the Reserve, or of any portion of it, it is perfectly certain that they will communicate their objection to their confreres in the Executive and in Parliament, and it is highly improbable that in the event of such objections being made the Native members of the Executive would consent to a course of action opposed to the wishes of the practical owners of the reserve. If there were any indication of a willingness on the part of the Natives interested to approve of the sale of the Reserve the ground would be clear enough, and there would be no hesitation on the part of the Government to sell the land. But we are more than doubtful of any such disposition ; we feel confident that the Natives, if even on the ground of sentiment only, will oppose in every possible way the alienation of the Reserve, even if the sale would actually secure to them in perpetuity an income equal to that which they now receive. We therefore cannot hold out much hope for the success of the deputation in this direction, because, added to the unwillingness of the Natives to sell, there is the possibility that a considerable proportion of the leaseholders would prefer to remain as they are. This would not only very much complicate the matter, but it would confuse the administration of that portion of the land left unsold. The same machinery would be required for managing one half of the Reserve as for the whole. Still it is barely possible that having regard to the large public interests involved the Goi vernment might be led to the conclusion that as a matter of public policy they would be justified in acting independently, and agreeing to the sale of the Reserve. But this is one of those speculations which are difficult of realisation, and we are of opinion that the strongest card to play is to secure an extension of the existing leases to 60 or more years. This object we have no doubt whatever can be attained if proper representations are made to the Government, and this settlement of the question appears to offer the least amount of difficulty in adjusting the various interests of the different tenants. Mr Newton deserves the thanks of the public for the pains he has taken in this matter, and his proposal for the adjustment of the rights of the original lessees and their sub-tenants appears to offer an easy solution of the question. It is rather strange that so much difficulty should exist in finding persons fit for the duty to act as a deputation, and we would say, without offence we hope, that it is a reproach there should be so much unwillingness on the part of those most directly interested, and who are best able to represent the leaseholders. Of course no one can devote his time and trouble to public affairs without some amount of personal inconvenience, but if everyone held aloof from public duties on this account public affairs could not go on. Much depends upon the deputation. It will not do to send anyone either partially acquainted or entirely ignorant of the question. The persons sent must have a full knowledge of the subject in all its bearings, and capable in other ways of bringing the matter clearly and intelligently before the Government. We hope and trust that some of thjse gentlemen who were proposed the other evening will see it their duty in their own and the public interest to sacrifice a portion of their time upon a mission upon the results of which so many important interests depend.