NATIVES AND THEIR LAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 April 1932, Page 4

NATIVES AND THEIR LAND.

The appointment of a Commission to inquire into the question of native lands in the colony of Kenya is an indication that Great Britain still regards itself* as the protector and trustee of the native races 'in whose territory British settlements have become established. The history of Kenya is one of which any Briton may feel proud. Two generations ago it was an undeveloped country where cruelty and ignorance flourished and where slavery was a recognised trade. To-day it is a thriving colony and a land in which the native can rely upon fair and just treatment, regard for tribal customs that do not clash with social order, ample opportunity for employment, health services and education. European settlement has suffered from the usual ups and downs of pioneering days but on the whole can be accounted successful. Its success has brought up the question of native lands. There are some who would admit no claim of the natives to the lands that have been brought into productivity or are' ! in process of being “broken in.” They say that as European capital and energy have made fruitful lands that were otherwise only hunting-grounds the European is entitled to the land itself and the native should be forced to live in the unwanted territory or be content or compelled to work for the white settler. At the other extreme are those who maintain that the native’s right to the land of his forbears is inalienable and must be maintained even at the cost of arresting development of the country by the European. It is the task of the Colonial Office to deal fairly

with all parties, and it has appointed a Commission to inquire into the whole question of native lands in Kenya. Time was when such a commission would have consisted of Parliamentarians or strong advocates of one course or another. But the Colonial Office has karat wisdom, and the members of the Kenya Commission are all officers who have had experience in handling native questions in African settlements. Their finding will be impartial and based upon knowledge as well as evidence. In such circumstances both natives and Europeans are sure to receive a just determination of their claims.