NATIVE LAND OWNERS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 23 March 1908, Page 2

NATIVE LAND OWNERS.

One essential condition of the harmony that is ultimately to prevail is ' the restoration of all the land taken under the legislation in question to the native owners. While it is impossible to refrain from sympathy with tli--wrongs of the native race, past and nreseiit and with the simple faith which inspires the petitioners, one cannot help regretting that their demand Z r reform "should" find expression in this absolutely futile way. It is utter.y inconceivable that either the King or th- British Parliament could lntei feu in "the manner desired, even if they accepted as gospel every statement hi a very unconvincing petition. Instead of beating the air in this unfortunate fashion, the leaders of . the Maoris should be teaching their fellows that their one practical hope lies a ong the lines which are being laid down by the Native Land Commission. The dead past must be allowed to bury its dead. The aim of tho Commission is to secure for every native owner the permanent possession of enough land for bjs subsistence, and profitable reUu-n from the balance by opening it up for ■European occupation.