Settlement of Waste Lands.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 173, 17 February 1888, Page 2

Settlement of Waste Lands.

In his addresss to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce on Monday, the Chairman. Mr Duthie, remarked : —“ It cannot lie denied that settlement has not progressed in proportion to works opening up the country, and wliat little has been done lias often been in pursuit of some legislative fad. ignoring tho economical condition under which settlers could benefit themselves or the colony. Although there has been some settlement in the Manawatu and elsewhere, the progress of this district continues to be retarded by the state of native land legislation. At the present time all but a dead lock exists, which should not continue. Coming in contact with a barbarous race it would lie expected of us to see that inalienable reserves were set aside so that no native need ever come to want, but beyond this, the Maoris receive tho benefits of civilisation, and should take the responsibilities. Tho ownership of half of this island was probably in dispute when the Europeans camo to it 50 years ago. Today it is almost impossible to do justice even by the most upright and painstaking of judges, and as an act of justice tho survey of all native lands should without delay he systematically proceeded with and tho title determined, enabling the owners to turn it to profitable use. I.arge areas of land in this province that are now locked np would then be available. for settlement, and we have to look to the solution of this difficulty as a main feature in tho immediate prosperity of the North Island. It is to immigration and settlement of the waste lands that we have to turn to replace public works.”