THE NATIVE LAND QUESTION.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 563, 29 January 1891, Page 2

THE NATIVE LAND QUESTION.

APPOINTMENT OF A COMMISSION. (srsem TO TBX STANDARD.) Wellington, Tuesday. It is evident that Messrs Kelly and Bees intend to thoroughly shake up the dry bones of the vexed native land question, an! in this respect there ie lunch hope held out of some solution of the disgraceful muddle that has so long existed in the laws governing native lands. Of course it would be absurd to attempt to predict the direotiin which things will take, as there are so many diverse opinions on the subject. But there Is a unanimity of opinion i 1 so far that all are agreed that something must be done, and they only want that something to be planed before them ia a reasonable light when it will receive very careful attention, A new feature which has been introduced this session is to consider the question on broad public grounds, without allowing personal issues to be in. truded, as has invariably been ths ease In the past, whether intentionally or otherwise. A meeting of Auckland and Hawke’s Bay members was held yesterday to oqnsider a petition received from Gisborne by Mr Kelly, regarding Native Land legislation. It was arranged that a deputation wait on Ministers to ask them to introduce a Bill to extend the time allowed under the Act of 1889, for making application t.o the Commissioners' Court, and to appoint a Commission to consider the whole question of the disposal of Native lauds, and the disputes now existing, the Commission to reSort next, session. Another request of the eputation will be that all difficulties in dealing with Native lands be removed by legislation, and a tribunal be provided to consider all disputes. Mr Mitchelson and Mr Bryce were present and supported the movement, the latter being one of the deputation, No party question whatever ie involved. It is supposed that the Commission will consist of three Maoris and three Europeans—Messrs Rees, Richardson, Edwards, Carroll, Wj Fere, and WuUanni. Yesterday.

The Government have now practically agreed to give every assistance in the mattar of native land legislation. Mr Rsss has brought in a Bill to ameud the Native Land Court Act. Mr Thomas MoKeszls ie also J lushing in the matter of getttlug protection or settlers whose titles are not settled be* fore March, the date fixed lu connection with the Commiuion. When so much interest is being taken in native land matters some good ought surely to result.