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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4242, 24 October 1874, Page 2

A notice appeal's in yesterday's New Zealand Gazelle, of the intention of the Governor to negotiate for the purcTioso of certain native lands in the North Island, under the provisions of the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1871. The block, as described in the schedule, embraces a very large extent of country in Auck land province, lying on both sides of the Firth of Thames arid Piako river, tlienco by the confiscated boundary of the Waikato to the Tauranga block. It is impossible to over-estimate the value of this extensive district. It includes valuable mineral and timber land, besides having a large available area for agriculture Indeed, some of the richest and most accessible land in. Auckland is included within the boundaries of tho block as described in tho Gazette. It was time tho Government issued this notice, because the torritory in question has been overrun by land-sharks and speculators, who desired to secure, for their own advantage, a territory which, if thrown open for bona fide settlement, would support a very:largo industrial population. The notice, however, puts a stop to tho pro ceedings of these enterprising gentlemen.

After the publication of the notice in the Gazette, "it shall not be lawful for any " one to purchase or acquire from the " native owners, any right, title, or inte- " rest, or contract for tho purchase or " acquisition from the native owners of " any right, title, or interest, in tho lands ( ' specified in such notice, unless the "notice be cancelled by the Governor." No doubt we shall hear a great outcry from the Nortii, on the publication of this notice becoming known, and the direst consequences will be predicted on account of this interference with private enterprise ; but r.o one, we think, can doubt the wisdom of the course pursued by the Government. These lands are wanted for settlement. In the hands of the Government they will not be held for speculative purposes, which would be tho case were private persons to acquire them. When we say that the much-covoted Ohinemuri district is included in the block of land described in the Gazette, our readers will be able to recognise its importance. We trust Mr. Macicay, jun., will soon be able to complete his negotiations with the native owners on behalf of the Government. When the land in question has become the property of the Crown, an impetus will be given to settlement in the Northern districts which must make itself felt throughout the colony.