THE PREMIER AND NATIVE LANDS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2086, 15 February 1894, Page 11

THE PREMIER AND NATIVE LANDS.

(Fbom Oub Own Cobrespondent.) Wellington, February 9.

The Premier appears thoroughly impressed with the magnitude and importance of hie newly acquired responsibility as Minister for Native Affairs, and has resolved soon to make an extended journey through the Maori territory for the purpose of personally explaining to the Native landowners the scope and character of the legislation of last session, and inducing, if possible, the friendly co-operation of the chiefs in carrying out the desire and iutention of Parliament. The Native Land Acquisition Bill, as originally introduced, provided for the compulsory resumption of Native lands as required upon much the same lines as the Lands for Settlement Bill, rejected by the Upper House, which was to deal with the lands of Europeans. As amended, the Native lands legislation does not make it obligatory upon Maori owners to sell at all. On the contrary, they may sell or lease not only at their own discretion, but the Government, haviDg proclaimed the land they wish to acquire, while preventing alienation to private individuals, are required officially to either purchase or lease at the will of the Native vendor. Now the Natives are, as a rule, willing to sell, and unwilling to lease, so that to resume the Native lands to keep abreast with the demand for settlement will mean the command of capital beyond the reach of the Government under existing conditions. Discussing the situation with the Premier, I learn that he purposes visiting the leading Maori representatives in their own homes, explaining fully the provisions of the new enactment and the desire of the Government, and inviting the co-operation of the Native owners. If he finds them inaccessible to reason they will be told that the Euro Dean owners will be required to surrender such lands a» may be required for settlement upon being paid full value, and that the Maoris cannot complain if by refusing to part with the surplus lands they cannot use they are placed in the position of European landholders. Shortly, the Premier expresses his intention to spare no personal effort to make the act workable by personal conciliation, and if his effort fail he must perforce be driven to further legislative power. What may prove a happy success for the new Minister for Native Affairs occurred yesterday, when a deputation of four Native chiefs from the Upper Wanganui district, headed by Taupata, who some years ago accompanied Tawhiao on his visit to England, waited up;n him. The chief made the usual poetic oration, during which he narrated that he had consulted the stars and, like the wise men of old, he' had been guided to Wellington to the new Minister, to whom he tendered the salutations and friendship of himself and his people, desiring to know what he intended to do for the Native people. Taupata went on to remind the Premier that when the Europeans were the weaker race in the colony and the Nativ-v. --«♦ Mie stronger party the Natives had ireeiy */•?. jc.l and given their friendship. "Whafc £ollowcu <i thu ' reported iv the New Zealand Times —

The Premier, iv reply. t-prep r >ou Ivq pleasure at meeting chiefs who hud come so i-c -o coa-Y£y-ik£k—gQ&& wishes Jo_Jhe <J'i>* j ii.m'»»iL_<iad himself, as well as to the Eurt?P-£MUii 1 ' s rti''rrilly. He would speak frankly to then' tu.d assure them that it was the intention of tVn- Government to act with perfect fairness towards the Natives, and to place the Natives in such a position that they would reap to the fullest extient the benefits of civilisation, instead of being continued in a position of dependence, sometimes running short of food and clothing, whilst they were nominally wealthy in land that they could not turn to account, while at the same time the non-utilisation of this land was retarding settlement, and thus impeding the progress of the colony. The Government had' no wish to force the hands of the Natives, but they were prepared to reason with them and show them what was required in their own interests as well as those of the colony at large. The Government would be firm and, at the same time, perfectly just. He intended shortly to visit the different Native centres in the Wan.ganui, Taranaki, Auckland, and Hawke's Bay and to explain fully to the Natives the .legislation which had been passed of late affecting them and their lands, and what the Government wished the Natives to do in respect of, it.

Taupata said he was highly pleased to hear 'the Minister's intention, and haying heard it he would not at this time enter into details ■concerning the desires of his people. These .could be discussed fully at the proposed meetings. If Mr Seddon would meet him atPipiribi <he could assure him of a hearty welcome from -the Upper Wanganui tribes, who would assemble to greet him. He would also promise to accompany the Premier if it was his wish to f go through the King country, and to meet Tawhiao, and he felt confident the Natives .everywhere would be delighted to see him.