THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, JULY 35, 1895.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10421, 25 July 1895, Page 2

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, JULY 35, 1895.

I*^OTwiTHSTAiroiSG*'tiie legislation* upon Native affairs of tiie two -past sessions, and the great and commendable efforts of the Premier, .to (equitably and adequately deal with the interests and welfare of the Native race, there is too much reason to suppose, that there is deep discontent and' unrest in the minds of the people of whose . forefathers' land we have become possessed. And this is the consideration that should always be uppermost in the minds of our legislators whea dealing with _ the remnant of the lands thai remain to the Maori.race. .That it has not been always so in the past,, that Native landowners have "been most shamelessly despoiled of their property in the first instance, and theii, plundered of the miserable consideration for which it was obtained, but adds to our obligation to repair,' as far as may be, the wrongs of. a shameful past. During the sessions of 1893-4 there was an earnest and honest attempt made by the Legislature to protect the Natives alike from the • European land shark and their own natural want of thrift; but in so large a question of public policy ifc was but natural that some defects in these new enactments -would soon project themselves. To the Native mind it is now clear that these jaws,' so far as they have been put in operation, are in many respects arbitrary and unjust, and during the parliamentary recess protests both loud and deep have found full expression afc large Maori meetings held at many intervening points from the Bay of Islands in the North to Canterbury in the South Island.

It is well for the Natives that they have now in the Legislature a worthy and talented champion of their cause in the person of young Hone Heke, who' is a pure-blooded and lineal descendant of one of the greatest of the North Island chiefs who ever contested with arms against the British occupation. And it is a remarkable illustration of the capacity of the race that after the lapse of so short a period the cultured descendant of the warrior who in the old time cut down the Union Jack at the Bay of Islands, and for a time successfully defied the British forces, should to-day be ably championing the cause "of his people as their representative in Parliament. To-day the Native race know full well that they cannot hope to successfully appeal to the arbitrament of war, but they are determined to make a constitutional fight through their representatives in Parliament for redress of what they believe to be their wrongs, and to endeavour to formulate these is the purpose of this article. It would appear then, and we may say that our information is gathered from.the best Native sources, that the Natives are strongly opposed to the Government right of pre-emption, under which the State only can deal in Native lands, as ordinarily understood. They allege that the Government officials, desirous of making the most advantageous

bargains for their employers, are apt to, and do at times, take advantage ot the absence of competition and the necessities of the vendors to pay much less than fair value. It is pointed out that a Native owner, from circumstances that a European might control, is compelled to sacrifice his land. Thus, taking a common case, where lie is indebted to the local storekeeper, he cannot discharge his debt because he cannot control his capital, which- is his land. He cannot subdivide and sell a part that he may pay his debt, cannot lease, cannot mortgage, cannot deal with his land in any way except sell it to a Government agent^ should it be required.' A parent may wish to convey a gift of land to a son, to dower a daughter— a very natural and--wholesome, desire,—but it cannot be gratified because the Government only can acquire the land". Then it is complained that the Government have the right to take .Native lands the title to which haa never been determined, the danger in this case being that the State may deal with an ostensible owner, who, being thus recognised, obtains undue advantage over other claimants in the Land Court when the title comes to be legally ascertained. Again, it is alleged, against the existing law that where property descends in natural succession to the next-of-kin it cannot be parted with—cannot be leased, even, — except to the Government; yet'the same land may be devised" to a person beyond the family, and he may 'do as. he please with it. Local taxation seems likely to promote: much irritation and ill-will. Native lands are liable to be rated by the local bodies. The owners aver that they cannot pay the rates,because thej. cannot deal with their lands ; yet the local body can, where a Native owner makes default, apply that a portion of the property be sold for payment of. the rates due. Then there are many small areas that it can never suit the Government to take, while the Native owner cannot turn them to profitable account himself, and cannot pass them on.'to anyone: else as: a tenant' .under any circumstances.

For reforms it is urged by Hoite llekb ancl Wi Pere, M.H.E's., and those who are with them, that those Natives who have obtained individual rights to land should be, as to dealing with it, placed 'in the same position as Europeans, and this is the view of the^ Native member of the Executive, tiie Hon. Mr Carroll; but the Premier is opposed to this concession. In those cases where Natives hold the land in common it is proposed that they sliould incorporate and.appoint a board or committee to deal with the land to the best advantage, the proceeds to be handed to the vendors or held in trust as the case may be. The exactions by the Government for the roading of Native lands that have - been resumed are also cause of much discontent. The present practice, it is represented to us, is to all charges for making roads and their maintenance—and for bridges, under, some circumstances— from the agreed price of the land; the balance, after, all deductions, being paid to the vendors through the Public Trustee! These charges for roading, &c.^ should not, it is claimed; be levied any more than upon anysimilar transaction' were Europeans only concerned^ It would be a monstrous thing, says I-Jone Heke, if the criminal law were altered1 to be made more severe upon a Native than a European. Then why should the Native be singled out for exceptional disabilities in regard to the law of property? - ■'■'/',

The Native members of the House of Representatives are willing, we are informed,.'to inhibit their fellowcountrymen from- mortgaging either their estates or incomes, and they would approve a policy by which the Natives .could' only.lease their lands for such a term as would secure permanent improvements, but otherwise subject to the same set of conditions as obtain under the Lands for Settlement Act. They are willing, it would seem, that the proceeds of Native lands should be controlled by the Public Trustee for the benefit and protection of the owners, but in all other respects they claim 'the same rights as Europeans.

Snch is the Native.position, so far as we can gather it, and such the Native demands. Taken broadly the position is not an equitable one, and the redress that is asked,' if not at present practicable, is certainly deserving the earnest attention and immediate consideration of the Government.

In the Legislative Council yesterday the Adulteration Prevention Bill was passed and the Native Townahip Bill and Juries Bill were i.esd a second time. Some progress was made in Committee on the Hon. Mc MaeGregor's Divorce Bill.

Yesterday was n private membeis' day in the House of Representatives. Several returns wera ordered at the afternoon sitting, but Mr \V. Hntchison failed to induce the House to agree to his motion affirming the desirability of the State establishing a daily service between the two inlands. In the evening Mr Collins carried tbe second reading of his Divorce Act Amendment Bill on the voices. Mr W. Hutchison's bill for an extension of the franchiie at municipal elections was thrown out, but the Unclaimed Moneys Bill, the Slander of Women Biil, the River Boards Bill and the Defamation Bill were read a second time. Mr G. W. Rnssell's Revaluation of Land Bill was opposed by the Government and a motion for tho adjournment of the debate was carried, the bill being thus virtually disposed of for the session.

Mr Justice Williams left for Wellington yesterday to attend the Court of Appeal." In consequence of his Honor's absence from Dunedin the sitting cf the Supreme Court in Baskruptcy fixed for Monday has been adjourned.

Mr Paulin advised ns at 8 p.m. yesterday • "Strong and squally S.W. to W. winds ; heavy rain and snow or hiil showers. Barometer unsteady."

Mr Hanlon, counsel for Minnie Dean, kas received a telegram from Mr Gaily, Crown prosecutor, Wellington, stating that the' instructions received by him from the Attornevfjeneral were that he was not to oppose his (Mr Hanlon's) motion for leave tog£p pes i, ThQ effect of tbis will no doubt be t'l&t the judges will grant leave to appeal without argument and the caso stated will then be taken and decided on Saturday.

Mr James Mills, general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, left Danedin yesterday morning for the north, en route for Great Britain, whero he is going on business in connection with the company. Mrs Milla accompanies him on his trip.

The death ,s announced at Okain's Bay of Blr William Gdoert, who is s.id to hav 3 bnilt the first boat ever constructed at Port Coalmen. He was about 95 y earß 0 f age , » nd arrived in Otago in the Aja X ia 1638. After tTV™ ?1T f°r fom" "me h* we«t to Ilwraki in 1841 ss bo»tbailder for Mr J. Price os Kaituna, and .übiequvnUy settled at Pjge-n Eay, and later btill at Oktin'a Bay

Upon inquiry a t tha Union Company's office regarding (he delay in tha delivery of tbe Ssn Francisco mail complained of by our correspondent "Monowai" in a letter published in yesterday's issue, we find that rough weather is solely responsible. The mail steamer arrived at Auckland on Wednesday at 2 p.m., ,nd the Mahinapua left Onehunga at 5 p.m., as soon as the mails were received on board. She arrived at New Plymouth at 8 o'clock on Thursday morning, left again at 10 a.m. and arrived at WeUington early next morning. The southern mails were transhipped to the Penguin, which left Wellington at 1 o'clock, and under ordinary . circumstances- should have arrived at Lyttelton next morning, five hours before the departure of the express for Danedin. The Penguin,- however, met .with very bad weather in Cook Strait, as reported in our issue oE Monday, Rn d did not roach Lyttelton until nearly 2 o'clock in the afternoon, four hours after the train had left. The mails"were transhipped to tho Corinna, which left the same evening for Dnnedin, reaching the wharf," after a rough passage, at 7.30 on Sunday evening. Our correspondent, therefore, has no cauxe f o r complaint against either the steam service or the post office. It is within our own knowledge that apecial arrangements are made for the prompt conveyance of the San Francisco mails fouthwards, and that it is only under very exceptional circumstances that there ia any delay in theirdelivery at Dunedin.

There was a very fait attendance at the Y.W.CA. Rooms last night, when the Rev. Rutherford Waddell -. gave, an interesting descriptive lecture on "A Christmas Within the Stranger's Land," being-tVse first of a series of lectures delivered by bim some years ago en " Winter Wanderings. in Italy." The lecture appeared to bo much enjoyed by the audience, who^ warmly applauded Mr Waddell at its conclusion. The proceeds of the night's entertainment were in aid of the Young Women's Christian Association.

A very interesting debate took p^ace-jon Monday last in connection witb the newly-formed St. John's Men's'Clnb, Roslyn. The subject for debate was" Should Corporal Punishment be Abolished.?" The "president, the Rev. S. Hawthorne, explained the rules of debate, and then called on Mr Carter to open in the affirmative. Mr Tewsley replied in favour of ietaining corporal-roishment. Other spencers for' and agiintt were Messrs Irwin, E. Carter, Johnston, Hill, Tjhomas^ Arlidge, Haggitt;, Cameron, Archer,' George" Arlidge, and; Cook. Considering this was the lirst time most of the members had taken part 'in a debate, they acquired' themselyes most creditably, and there is great promise as debaters among the members of this useful club. After Mr Carter had replied, the chairman palled for a show of hands, which resulted in a decided victory for the abolition of corporal punishment. At the -conclusion tho Rev. S. Hawthorne gave the members most useful advice and encouragement, and there is no doubt that the society will be useful and successful; , ■. -• . '

The annual meeting of the parishioners of Holy Innocents' Mission District, Woodhaugh, was held on Tuesday evening. The Rev. H. S. Leach, curate, took the chair, and about 20 persons were present. The chairman gave a brief resume of the year's work, from which it appeared that 23 persons had been baptised, 15 persons.had been'confirmed,-and there were about 30 conimunicabts connected with the church. The Sunday'school has 60 scholars snd seven teachers. Four teachers were lost to the school during the year, three by removal and one by death. Morning services have been established since the beginning of the year, and the congregations have been fairly good. The attsndiince. at the evening service has much improved. The church officer, Mr Henry Skey, read the balance .sheet, which showed that the total receipts foe the year amounted to £62 12s 9d. The expenditure, including purchase of au organ, scats, lamps, &c, amounted ,to £60 17s sd, leaving a credit balance of £1' 15s 4d and the. property being entirely free from debt. Votes of thanks were conveyed to all who had helped in the work of the mission during the year. "'

. The>Vellington! correspondent .of the Lyttelton Times.wires that it is,generally recognised that, on the Agent-generalship becoming vacant in October next, it would not be fair either to the colony orto Sir W. B. Perceval to ask the ktter to accept another extension of his term of office for a.year, and. it.is therefore concluded that a new appointment will certainly be announced before Parliament prorogues. Speculation so far favour* the chance of the Hon. W. P. Reeves, but that conclusion is only arrived at by assuming that. Sir P. A' Buckley will waive his claim, which is recognised as superior. The name of Sir W. Bailer is sometimes mentioned as:that of a possible Agent-general, but he is not likely to be chosen, except ih the event of no other way being /found oE deciding lhe contending'claims of Mr Rseve3 and Sir P. Bucklej.

At a meeting of the vestry cf St. John's, Eoslyn, the nominators for the ensuing 3-enr were elected—viz., Messrs 'Mander, Robeits, Haggitt, and Reade.

Mr J. N. Wood, late warden and stipendiary magistrate in the Central Otago magisterial district, has been presented; by hia friends with a gold hunting chronograph watch as a toksn of their goodwill-and esteem on the occasion of his retirement from the bench. •-

The Timaru Herald states that now that the hill country is under snow the rabbits are crossing the rabbit-proof fences by thousands, as in many places, the snow is frozen hard enough to ; bear a horse and rider, and the fences are quite covered. In the Hakateramea Vallejr the few farms which are clear or partly clear of scow are swarming with rabbits tempted by the sight of a piece of black ground:, On the Normanvale estate, which is partly clear of snow, great destruction has been wrought amoDg the rabbits and hares that have taken refuge there. ,

I Mr Douglas, manager for Mr Mnsgrave, at Lake Heron station, visited Ashburton on Tuesday (the Lyttelton Times says) with the news that the homestead had been completely burned down, and that hi 3 wife and two young children had narrowly escaped with their lives. At ! the'time of the fire abr.ut'Sfo1 of'snow was Jying on the gronnd, and Mr Douglas had great difficulty in making his way out aloue, leaving his wife and children in a shepherd's hat. Blr Douglas says that the winter np ab Lake Heron' has been the worst by far that he has yet experienced. The Sinclair and Gillies scholarships; which are of the annual vslue of £50 each, and are tenable for three years, will be awarded in November next. They are open to all personß. born in tbe colony, who are between 16 and 20 years of age and are unable to obtain a university education without pecuniary aid.

There was a fair attendance at the City Hall last evening, -when Blessrs Collins, Browne, and Stapleton's combination gave another entertainment. The programme opened with a farce entitled "Disappointed Lovers," and although it contained a more than, average amount of absurdity, it was received with evident favour, and crested a great deal of merriment. The bulk of the items on the programme, however, comprised solo singing and negro specialties, step-dsneing, &c, all of which wore quite up to the standard of the performances previously given here bythe members of (he company. Miss May Malvino r.nd Mies Hettie Howarde were especially successful, their contributions being in each instance vigorously encored, while Messrs J. R. Stapleton, Collins, Browne, Craydon, and Woods creditably fulfilled their allotted duties. Another entertainment will he given on Saturday night.

Mr Collet. Dobson is to be the recipient of a complimentary benefit at tbe City Hall on Saturday evening next. Mr Dobson Las been a prominent figure on the New Zealand stage for some years past, and hss established a good reputation both as actor and manager. The Royal Irish Dramatic Company aud the Tivoii Variety Troupe bave crmbined and will appear iv a reproduction of the Irish "musical dr&ma "Wcsritt' cf the Green." The performance will be given at popular prices, so that a bumper house should result.

Tenders arc invited for a iluee years' lease of tiie Jianngatua Cheese Factory as agoing concern. I'll- factory bas now nu eitunhshed reputatiou. I'Vrlber subscriptl0"*SB to the funds of the Otago Mii,srV Association a:e acknowledged by the hon. 'tie'*ra'Park, Reynolds and Co. will sell a quantity of valuable household furniture at their rooms to-morrow.

The J. G. Ward Farmers' Association will sell draught and light harness horses at Holland's Bapar on AVednesday next. "I have much pleasure in certifying to the curative pro|-Ksrt'e3 of Mr Loasby's 'Wahoo.' I used it for Piles and Indigestion, with the happiest results.—David Hood, blacksmith, Maclaggan street "—[Advt.] Mr Cilvs. Wu. Bay, Dentist has removed to premises corner of Hieh and Ciarke streets (first street past the Arcade), Dunedin —[Advt.] The cheapest shop in Dunedin for tea seta, dinner sets, and all household requisites is Montague's. Sele now on.—[Advt.] Mes-rs Kidd and Co., rurgical and mechanical dentists, notifythattheyhavecommenced husiness opposite Cargill's Monument, Princes st. — [Anvr.j Ifaving'admitfted Mr R. H. Scott into partnership, we shall now trade under the tit'« of VV. and R. Scott, Tailors aud Clothiers (late W. Scott and CoV—[Advt.]. John Hislop, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 74 Prince 3 street. The oldest established house in town. Repairs of all kinds. Good assortment AVatches. Clocks, and Jewellery. Spectacles to suit all sights.—[Advt ] Mollison and ".'s annual sale now on. Send for price list of 12 pnges. Post free. Mollison and Co., drapers and clothiers, 195 and 197 George street, Dunedi-.—[Advt.] '_, Me-vrs A. and J. M'Kaili.akk beg to call attention to tbeir advertisement over the leader. Any orders entrusted to them will receive the best attontiou.—Tadvt.] See G. and T. Young's Christmas advertisement on first page, and note that watch, clock, and jewellery repairs receive persona) supervision of Mr T.G. Yonng. Competent workmen only employed. Satisfaction guaranteed. Moderate prices.—[Adv.] Specially prepared sodawater for invalids, as supplied by Thomson ano (Jo. to the Dunedin and AVellington Hospitals, Union Company's entire fleet, and other public iu-titutions. In nearly all cases of sickness Thomson and Co.'s sodawater is held in high esteem by physicians for its purity and Vvnolesome action in assimilating with milk and other nutritious liquids. Labelled with name and trade mark.—[Advt.]