THE NATIVE LAND QUESTIONMR REES AND MR SMITH.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9316, 10 March 1893, Page 4

THE NATIVE LAND QUESTIONMR REES AND MR SMITH.

SIR,— Mr W. C. Smith invites me to meet him on a public platform, either at) Napier or in any part of his constituency, for the purpose of discussing what he calls " the bald assertions" made by me, and the proposals which I have placed before the public of New Zealand, The matter is of too great importance to be made the subject of popular amusement over personal altercations. Mr Smith need not fear that the matter of dealing in native lands, popularly attributed to Mr Cadman and himself during the last two or three years; will be allowed to drop. The Native Minister possesses such peculiar power and Influence, and the consequences which may arise from bis private interests conflicting with bis public duties are so fall of clanger, that it compels the strictest scrutiny. I now believe that all reform in the native land laws has been impeded by the peculiar position which Vr Cadrnan and Mr Smith hava occupied since Mr Cadtnan became Native Minister, and I am confident that the obstruction of this reform baa been both discreditable and disastrous to the country. I therefore shall take immediate steps to press upon the Cabinet the necessity for a searching investigation. It was generally supposed that Mr Cadman bad nothing whatever to do with native lands. In fact 'lt was. bo stated by Mr La wry, the member for Parnell, in the House of Representatives' in September last In the hearing of Mr Cadman, and I believe of Mr Smith. Mr Cadman spoke immediately after Mr Lawry had made this assertion, and he did not deny nor qualify MrLawry'astatement, although Mr Lawry had urged this fact as the principal claim to pnbllc confidence which the Native Minister possessed. Sir George Grey was assured by one Minister at least that Mr Cadman bad nothing whatever to do with native lands. I still, therefore, believe that Ministers are unaware of the position of Mr Cadman and Mr Smith In regard to " these transactions. If Mr Smith would ' like me to ask him certain questions about which there is considerable public interest in regard to lands near Danevirke affected by legislation promoted by Messrs Smith and Cadman I shall be happy to do so, but I will do it through your columns, and not at a pnblic raeet- —- Ing, because both questions and answers being in writing cannot bt misunderstood and cannoti be perverted.— l am, &c.,-- - W, L. BEES, Napier, March 9, 1893.