"THE LITTLE END OF THE WEDGE."

New Zealander, Volume 12, Issue 1028, 23 February 1856, Page 2

"THE LITTLE END OF THE WEDGE."

In the course of the discussion on "Thursday, on the second reading of tlie Pre-emptive Land Claims Bill, the Provincial Secretary admitted that it did not go so far as he could wish—that he would like it to include also the Old Land Claims—-but he was afraid by so doing, he might endanger the fate of this Bill, which was an endeavour to get " the little end of the wedge in. " By old settlers "and residents the meaning of the hon. gentleman will be well understood. To recent comers it will remain an enigma even after perusing the incidental discussion which took place upon the motion. A few words, however, will enlighten them both as to the policy of the late and present Superintendents and their supporters —the tremendous stake for which they were playing when such desperate efforts were resorted to to secure the supremacy in the Provincial Council—and the extent to which the present and prospective welfare of this Province are dependent on the success or failure of this long-cherished scheme of politico-mercantile craft. The object of the Pre-emptive Land Claims Bill is to open up anew ail those enormous claims for lands purchased from the natives, which were disposed of by the Commissioner appointed under sub.-vquent A<:\s of the Legislature, to inquire into their validity. These claims—"the thin end of the wedge'--affect some hundreds of thousands -of acres

of laud in this" Province The Old Land Claims the entire wedge meant to be driven lioinfe some day—cannot be told oft 1 in such modest figures. Blocks on blocks' of square miles have here to be spoken of; indeed, we doubt if three such Provinces as Auckland could satisfy them! ■•■ Verily, it was well while to spare no pains, to stick at no outlay, to secure the; Superintendencics and a majority in the Provincial Council. As the Bill has been deferred to a Select Committee, we refrain from further remarks for the present. We trust that the Com' mittee will take such steps as shall make its appointment a reality, and not a mere cloak for (riving; a colourable pretext for the enactment,, at this juncture, of such a measure;