CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 957, 4 July 1890, Page 20

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

The sub-committec of the Chamber of Commerce appointed to consider the question of land settlement were to recommend at the quarterly meeting of the Chamber, held yesterday, that the following rrsolations be passed:—(l) In the opinion of this Chamber an increase of the population of New Zealand is essential for the progress of the Colony. (2) With the objeot of facilitating settlement on the laud provision should be made for expedition the surveys of Crown lands and opening the wne for settle, ment. Also that snob amendment should be made in tho land laws of the Colony as will secure bond fide intending settlers against the delay and uncertainty attending the present system, and that care should he taken to place ouly reasonable value on lands for selection. (3) That every publicity should be given to the conditions on which land can bo acquired in the Colony with the object of attracting desirabls immigrants. (4) That the resolutions adopted by this Chamber on the Bth May, 1888, in regard to theNatire lauds of the North Island, be again brought before the Goveriiment, with a recommendation that they be acted on. The resolutions referred to in regard to the Native lands are as follow :—" That with a view to the more speedy settlement of the North Island, it is desirable that all Native land, subject to the reservation hereafter referred to, should be made available for occupation. To ncccmpiish this it is recommended —That the Government proceed to complete the survey of the Native lands with all possible despatch ; that the cost of the survey be a charge on the lands surveyed ; that, on completion of survey, tho land be put into the Native Lands Court, the titles investigated and the ownership defined, and that certificates of title be issued under the Land Transfer Act, subject to the payment of cost of survey ; that all such lauds should then be subject to rateß and taxes ; that sufficient lands be reservod to provide sustenance and occupation for the Natives, including any lands at present in use or cultivation by them. ,