MR. BALLANCE AT OPUNAKE.

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

MR. BALLANCE AT OPUNAKE.

The Hawera Star correspondent sends the following: — Mr. Ballance was interviewed on Tuesday by the Town and District Committee regarding native lands. The Minister stated that matters were not alto- 1 gether satisfactory. His proposal now was to hold a Land Court to ascertain the share of each grantee, who would then receive a. Crown grant. In cases where the lands of grantees would be small, titles would be grouped in families. The natives could then lease if they chose. He was opposed to any iaore native lands being leased before titles were ascertained.

If application in writing was sent to Wellington with reference to a bridge over the Maungahurae on the Eltlnra road, it would be considered, and he considered the Eltham road should be handed over 10 a local authority. i If a special settlement couid be formed, ha would be willing to hand over the lands reserved for the A.O. special settlement, as he did not approve of a blook of such good land barring tho way of settlement. On the other hand, if by the removal of certain restrictiqns, constables could be induced to take up the special lands, ho would be prepared to consider ii nj amendments iii ttie iimiilu'ioiih.

Ah, BilUnau jn-ojeeds tv Rnholu to enquire into na;ive mitt-iis thero. Kihui has for a long lime been desirous of leasing land, anl after the sitting of the Lind Court, it is stated, some oP tho hnds of his hapu will be dealt with.