THE NATIVE RESERVES BILL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6422, 17 June 1882, Page 4

THE NATIVE RESERVES BILL.

[BY TfcLEGUAPH.— rRESS ASSOCIATION*.] Gkeymodtu, Friday. OONSIUEUACLE disappointment is felt with Mr. Bryces Native Reserves Bill which while proposing to deal with all the native reserves in the colony, does nothing to remedy the grievances uuder which the original lessees from the native trust, aud sub lessees here, at present labour. A meeting of lessees was held yesterday to consider the matter, ami a series of resoluhous were passed for the purpose of being submitted to a public meeting with the view of getting them iucorporated as additions to the Jiill to meet the case of the various clasacs of lessees. Under the present Bill there is no provision for compensation to tho lessees who improve their properties, and as the renewal of leases are to be auctioued every 21 years the lessees want cither to be granted a renewal, if it ia required, or allowed compensation. Original lessees and sub-lessees are working together in this , matter. Later. . a public meeting held this evening a series ot resolutions were passed, unauiniously affirming that the Native Reserves Bill is not suitable to the wants of the district, and that the GreymontU reserve he exempted from the operation of the Bill ; that, provision be made as speedily as possible for the sale of the freehold of the Greymouth native reserve, and upon such sale the interests of the tenants, sub-tenants, and improvers of the property should 1 e eonserved, in accordance with the suggestions above given. In the event ot this course being found impracticable, a series of suitable clauses to be introduced, the Bill providing for valuation aud compensation to lessees.