NATIVE RESERVES BILL.

Grey River Argus, 24 November 1910, Page 5

NATIVE RESERVES BILL.

HELD OVER TILL NEXT SESSION FOR FURTHER INQUIRY.

The resolutions carried al (the meeting of the Native Reserve Committee on Tuesday noght were communicated •to the Prime Minister and the Hon. A. R. Guinness with the final result that the Bill has been "withdrawn pending furher inquiry. .Following are the telegrams -which have passed between Mr T. Eldon Coates (Chairman) and ■the Prime Minisier and Mr Guinness :

From Hon. A. R. Guinness. — "Of course I object to the clause fixing the rental on a. five per cent 'basis. Think it impossible to get rental fixed on a three per cent basis, but might effect compromise, and fix four per cent basis. Would this be satisfactory ? Am also dissatisfied because the -Bill makes no provision for increasing the term of lease to sixty-six 3-ears. Am doubtful if House would ca.rry sixty-six yeais, but we might get forty-two years carried. Would this ■eg? Are churches' satisfied?"

Reply to Mr Guinness. — "Churches not satisfied. Even the Maoris never suggested a charge for their lands. If not possible to get 66 years get 42, but leave rent s to b.e arranged as at present or 'block the Bill. Five per cent and .re-valuation original cause of trouble." From the Prime Minister. — "In reply to your telegram I note your representations and will, hold over Bill so as to go into the matter in time for -next session." Reply to the Prime Minister. — "Thank you." . . •