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Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 22, 2 August 1887, Page 3

Turning to the millions of acres of land owned by some 40,000 Natives, who can never possibly utilize their surplus possessions, what do tie find ? By ths Native Land Administration Act passed by the Government—an Act the Native themselves petitioned Parliament to repeal—large areas of Native lands are sealed against settlement. Would it be believed that in this land of Democracy, and in this enlightened age that it is absolutely penal at the present time to purchase evffi a quarter of an acre of land front a Native. However desirous anyone may be to ffikke his permament abode in this country, he must look Upon all Native territory as closed against settlement. Under these circumstances, therefore—reckless extravagance on the one hand, and the settlement cf the country retarded on the other—can it be wondered at that the Colony is tottering on the verge of bankruptcy 1 In the hands of the electors of the Colony the remedy lies. At the forthcoming elections they have the opportunity of showing that they realise—however unpleasant the discovery—the true state of the Colony’s affairs; by exercising that knowledge to re turn to Parliament candidates resolved and pledged to support wise and liberal land laws and a vigorous policy of economy, together with judicious and equitable retrenchment.

It is to aid in carrying out such a policy that I enter, though somewhat reluctantly, upon the present contest. Taxation cannot be avoided. However objectionable the present Property Tax may be, I believe it would be unwise, under the existing circumstances of the Colony, to change it for a Land Tax. It should be borne in mind that a peculiar uncertainty has threatened our legislation in land matters, and hovered ovef the financial affairs of the Colony. These and the varied utterances of Ministers on land questions generally, have a tendency to create alarm and misgiving in the minds of those who have money to invest in the Colony, and consequently capital is shut out. A Land Tax, as I will show on a future occasion, would be the “ last straw that breaks the camel’s back.”

For the foregoing reasons, and recognising the urgent necessity for capital to be introduced, in order that there may be ample employment and increased prosperity for all, it does not appear to be desirable, at the present juncture of affairs, to tamper by means of experimental legislation with an established system of taxation. With regard to the Crown Lands, I am in favour of the freehold tenure being given to settlers upon an easy system of deferred payment extending over a lengthened period of time. The main object should be to secure Vona fide settlement. lam also in favour of lessees and holders of land under the Perpetual Lease system having the right to convert their leases, if they so desire, into a freehold tenure on deferred payment system conditions. I should support the utmost reasonable concession in the matter of time for paying for the land, as I look upon the revenue derived from that source as a very minor consideration compared with the advantages the Colony derives by getting genuine settlers upon the soil.

As to Native Land matters, I am in favour of—in semi-European districts like the East Coast—the Natives being placed upon, as far as practicable, the same footing, and with the same responsibilities as the Europeans. I believe such a policy would be acceptable to the Natives themselves, and have the effect of elevating the Maori race in the scale of civilisation. I should deem it the imperative duty of the Government to see that every Native had sufficient land for the maintenance of himself and those dependent on him, and that such land should remain an inalienable reserve for him and his descendants. As to the surplus Native Lands, the Native title over them should be extinguished as soon as possible, and individualised where practicable and Crown grants issued. Subject to every safeguard the Legislature would deem necessary for the proper protection of the Natives in their transactions, I consider that they should be allowed to exercise the same rights over their property as Europeans, The Natives should be encouraged to compete with itheirj’European neighbors instead of being subjected to a policy of isolation, ‘ I regard the question of Freetrade and Protection more in the light of a side issue, raised to distract attention from the ignominous defeat the Government recently sustained over their financial proposals. Nevertheless, it is one of the public questions on the topis just now. I have no hesitation in saying that I consider the Prohibitory Protective tariff advocated by a member of the Ministry as disastrous in its bearing upon the great bulk of the population, more espe daily in a country district like this. With wages low, employment scarce, and trade dull, the occasion seems to me to be a singularly cruel one for advocating a policy, however much it may suit large importers, that would increase the cost of clothing, food, and other necessaries of life—in fact, inflict additional taxation upon the people at the very time they are least able to bear it. I believe the true policy for a maritime country like New Zealand is Freetrade. Still, one cannot fail to recognise the necessity of industries being established so that fields for employment may be opened up to the rising generation. I should therefore be in favor of reasonable encouragement being given towards fostering those industries for which the Colony is specially adapted.

Matters of detail as to retrenchment and other subjects of a local and general character I will deal with in the immediate future. For the present the above exposition will, I hope, suffice to acquaint the electors with an accurate view of the political opinions I hold. I have devoted a considerable time during the many years of my residence in this district to public affairs. It is not for me to say how I discharged my duties. I leavo that to the public to determine. I have no desire to thrust myself on the constituency. At public meetings throughout the electorate I will enunciate my views more fully. The issue, gentlemen, will then remain with you. I am, Gentlemen, Your Obedient Servant, M, J. GANNON.