THE NATIVE LAND COURT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXV, Issue 7792, 24 February 1886, Page 2

THE NATIVE LAND COURT.

[from our own correspondent.J WELLINGTON, Jan. 26, The way is gradually being paved for the individualisation of title in Native land. In the North Island I learn that up to the present time the Land Court at Taupo, which commenced its sitting towards the end of last year, has settled the tribal titles in regard to one million and a half acres of land. The subdivision of the land into portions for the different hapus is now going on, and it is believed that there are no difficulties in the way of this being satisfactorily accomplished. As soon as the business at Taupo is concluded, the Court will sit in the Waikato to hear a large number of claims there, and it is expected that there will he no more difficulty experienced than at Taupo. The Court at Taupo went on with perfect good will, and the acquiescence of all the Natives concerned, and if matters continue to progress as they are progressing at present, the bulk of the lands in the North Island will be through the Court before next session. This should be a complete answer to those critics who, having pinned their faith to Mr Bryce, are slow to see any virtue in Mr Ballance. The Natives have learnt that while Mr Ballance can he as firm as his predecessor in office, he is always ready to listen to and reason with them, and has their interests thoroughly at heart. Mr Ballance isaliveto theimportanceof making useful settlers of the Natives; but before they can become such, they must have their own individual holdings to cultivate. This is what the Native Minister is endeavouring to bring about, and his efforts bid fair to be crowned with success. Mr Tele is to visit Auckland shortly, when he will address his constituents, and Mr Ballance goes South at the end of this week, if possible, and Mr Richardson will, in all probability, proceed South a little later on.