MR. FENTON'S NEGOTIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6565, 1 December 1882, Page 5

MR. FENTON'S NEGOTIATION.

[by TELEGRAPH. — OWN COF.RESPOXDEM.I Wellington, Thursday. I find there has been misconception in some quarters regarding the interview of Mr. Feuton, late Chief Judge of the Xative Laud Court, with the King natives, and his negotiations with them, which has been misunderstood as an indirect attempt at renewal of negotiations on Mr. Bryce's part, an idea which if allowed to go uncorrected may do harm. The explanation i 3 very simple. The Waikato Confiscated Land Act of ISSO sets forth the rebellion of natives and the confiscation of the land of rebels. Some subsequently returned allegiance, and others were desirous of doing so, and it therefore empowered the Go\ernnient to provide lands for their residence and settlement out of the area still undisposed of. The Government were empowered to reserve laud to grant it to natives and set apart by warrant, such grants to be inalienable, but revocable failing residence. The power is uot to endure beyond two years. Mr. Fenton, while occupied with other duties, was unable to complete this work which had begun, and the Act expired by effluxion of time ; but a short Act was passed last session (The Waikato Confiscated Lands Act, 1S82) to extend the period by two years more, and now Mr. Fenton, having retired on his pension, is free to proceed with the settlement arrangements to completion- This 110 doubt will tend indirectly to strengthen Mr. Bryce's hands, especially coupled with the Amnesty Act aud other measures of last session.