HON. MR. BALLANCE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7172, 16 September 1886, Page 2

HON. MR. BALLANCE IN NEW PLYMOUTH.

The lion. Mr. Billanct?, Native Minister, arrived in New Plymouth on Wadnesd.-iy evening, and took apartments at tha Criterion Hotel. We learn from the Hon. Mr. Ballause that his visit here is in connection principally with native matters, more especially in reference to the Maori grievrinco about the delay in the payment of rents. Mr. B.illance is in hopes of being able to remedy this matter to a considerable extent; and one of the first steps in this direction will be the holding of the Native Land Court on the coast, probdbly under the presidency of Judge Wilson. It has been ascertained that there are a lars^e number of natives between Wanganui and the White Cliffs who are anxious to have their titles to land individualised, and it is believed that when this work is done, and the Maoris cease to bo "tenants in common," those inclined to accept the dominancy of the Europeans as inevitable will withdraw from the Te Whiti movement, and settle down as contented and loyal people. The work of the Land Court will bfcgin almost immediately, so that in the course of six months or so every native who has an interest ia land oa the coast will have his own particular section to settle upon when he desires. This will probably draw off the most of Te Whiti's adherents, who will doubtless be quick to realise the benefits of dwelling on and holding each his own property. It is also hoped that this individualisation of title will result in the Maoris becoming more prosperous, for it will tend to break down the communistic customs which now prevail, to the discouragement of individual enterprise and diligence. The area of land with which the Land Court will have to deal will be very extensive, being considerably over 100,000 acres. In connection also with this matter, the Hon. Mr. Ballance will immediately proceed to Waihi, which block also is to be individualised, and he will there interview the Maori ownere, if necessary.

The Hon. Mr. Ballance considers that settlement is being pushed forward rapidly in this district, and be is rather inclined to view the many complaints as to tardy road making as being made without a knowledge of the circumstances of other parts of New Zealand. Similar complaints appear to be received from nearly every district in the colony. On it being pointed out that here the roads did not keep pace with settlemeut — that the land was occupied in many places far in advance even of the felling of the bush roads — the Hon. Mr. Ballance remarked that that also was* a condition of affairs the correct idea about which was not to be gathered from what was generally reported and believed. Two settlers had that very evening called upon him on the matter, pointing out that a certain road line had not been felled to their ground, and that consequently when they felled their boundary they would choke up the roadway and make it more difficult of ultimate clearing and formation, but Mr Ballance showed that they had access by another good road, and stated that the making of the by-roads was more the duty of the local bodies than of the Government. However, in his capacity as Minister o£ Lands, Mr. Ballance intends to make full enquiries into this matter also, and whatever may be decided upon in reference to it, the one great object will be kept in fiew of doing everything which is deemed necessary for advancing the settlement of the back country of Taranaki. Our Ministerial visitor appears to entertain the pretty general opinion thit settlement in Taranaki is progressing at a rate which i's not excelled by any other part of the colony.

The Hon. Mr. Ballance will leave for Auckland at the end of the week, and it is understood that bis visit to tho northern province is partly in connection with the proceedings which are now in progress for deciding the ownership of about a million acres of laud in the Waikato. As in Taranaki, so in the Waikato, the Hon. Mr. Balance seems to look upon the Native Land Court as an important factor, in native affairs, and thinks the importance of the negotiations or deliberations now being carried on by this department has not yet been correctly appreciated.

During Wednesday evening the Hon. Mr. Ballance was interviewed by many, people on mattero of privato or public interest. i