LAND SETTLEMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9223, 27 May 1910, Page 6

LAND SETTLEMENT.

NATIVE" LANDLORDISM AND WHITE NEEDS. The question of native lands was discussed at the Farmers' Union Conference at Marton. Mr W. J. Birch (Marton) moved: "That the time has arrived when Maoris' land should be placed in the same position as the lands oi : Europeans, subject to the same rates and taxes, ami with equal freedom to dispose of their lands bv sale or lease with certain reservations." He explained that the remit was a blending of two motions sent forward. The time had arrived when the object of the Maori Land Acts should be in the direction of placing tho Maori in the same position as the white, both as regard*-: his land and his responsibilities. This was as necessary for the preservation oi the Maori as it was in the interests of settlement. The policy of keeping the Maori wrapped, in swaddling clothes could not lead to the production of independent energy or enable him to

take his place alongside the European in the -battle of lii'e. Efforts should be made to individualise an much of the native land as possible, and once individualised the owned should enjoy the sr.me privileges and partake of the. .same responsibilities as the white. It was a gross injustice at present that- the Maori lands should benefit by the expenditure of rates solely contributed by Europeans. It v.-as said that if the Maori was allowed to deal with his own land he would sell all and F.OOll become a pauper. He dissented from this idea, and declared that the Maoris would learn wisdom if they were 110 longer held in leading strings. In any event it could be provided' that the Maori should not bo allowed to seii all his lands or thai certain reserves of culiirateable laud might he made inalienable. Personally he adhered to the belief that such reserves would mean the ruin of the Maori. As a race they would never Irise out of their iazy communistic life. They hail to be taught that io exist they had to work. It was quite .right that no European fdioaid be allowed to purchase native land until it was individualized. If, however, the Government acted energetically under the power conferred on it by the Act of last session much could be done in the way of acquiring native lands.

Mr R. K. Simpson seconded the motion.

Mr T. Quirke (Pahiatua) said that the latter portion of the motion almost affirmed the freetra.de in native land. Sixty years ago the Maori was a savage. "When it was remembered that it took centuries to bring the British race to its present state of civilisation, it was clear that for some time the Maori should be given some protection. Mr Hockley (Hunterville) said that if anyone wanted to get to windward of a Maori in a deal he would have to get up very early. The time had eojne when the distinctions between native and pakeha should be swept aww. Mr R. Fletcher nVanganui) and Mr W. L. Falconer (Masterton) also supported the motion. Mr R. B. M'Kenzie (R-on go tea) said it was all very well to talk about landless natives, but what about landless whites? What protection were they giving their sons? It was'peculiar that while a European was taxed heavily where he held a large area of land a Maori-landed autocracy was not allowed to sell its holding. Several other delegates approved the motion, which was carried. Only three delegates voted against it.-— Post.