NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 9

NATIVE LAND LEGISLATION.

VIEWS OF THE NATIVES,

(From Our -Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, September 26.

The Native "Land Control and Administration Bill, which has now been circulated, dees not give entire satisfaction to the Natives. The Waikato Maoris are strongly opposed to it, while the East Coast, northern, and the majority of the westerly Natives are satisfied with its main provisions, though they will endeavour to secure a number of important amendments when the bill is in committee, if it ever reaches that' stage. The East Coast, northern, and western Natives are far and away the largest landowners, and 'they want an alteration in the constitution and powers of the boards ; in fact, they would like to see the boards abandoned, and the block committees take their place. They strongly object to their lands being vested in the boards, and contend that the lands should bo vested in the 111 committees, for the block committees ! would be the owners of the land dealt with. This is really the crux of the bill. It is also., suggested that the Government should -take power, to make advances to. assisl~i:he~ Maoris to engage in agricultural pursuits, in which 'tuey liave already proved themselves very successful in the Tauranga and East Coast districts. There is also a desire that the King Country (Rohepotae) lands and the lands under -the Thermal Springs Act should be brought under tho sssp^c*i§ flj tho bill.

With these and one or two other less important \ alterations, the northern, East Coast, and most of the western Maoris would be ready to accept the bill. All parties are agreed that the sale of Native lands, either to the Government or private individuals, should cease. The Waikaj-. Maoris, as I have already stated, are entirely oppo&ed to the meapure. They contend that the bill is not the one 'which the Maori King and the Piemier have been negotiating. Mahuta and the Kingite party* will have nothing to do with such a bill. Henare Eaihau, M.H.R., is confident of sufficient assistance in the House to block it. The bill is at present being discussed by Tamahau and the East Coast Natives, who are opposed to clauses 13 and 14. Under thepe clauses all present titles are to be cancelled, and new titles issued, vesting the fee simple of the whole Native estate in the boards. Henare Kaihau, M.H.R., backed up by Mahuta, is urging the Government to proceed with the bill of last year, as reported from the Native Affairs Committee, with further amendments suggested by Mahuta and his chiefs, who desire that provision shall be made for opening up the land' for settlement by the "Natives 'themselves, subject to protection against fraud. Considering the late stage of jthe session, the bill will not have much chance of passing if it meets with seriotis" opposition from any section of the House. If the Waikaios persist in their opposition they may be excluded from the operations of the measure.