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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 86

[New Zealand Herald, 14th February, 1893.]

[New Zealand Herald, 14th February, 1893.]

Sir,—I am tempted, although at a distance, to amplify on one or two points what I said in my letter which appeared in the Herald of the 6th instant, because of your; query in a leader on the 7th—"Can it be done now?" It requires legislation, and no doubt there's the rub; but Parliament has only to say the word. To my mind all the good, and none of the ill, which another method will give rise to, would he attained by Crown administration. Further, that would be essentially in accordance with the Treaty of Waitangi, conserving the interests of the Natives while opening up the whole Native territory to European occupation speedily. The last is the important consideration.

Suppose Parliament, with wisdom and foresight as I think, were next session to declare Native land to be Crown land in trust for the Natives, what would happen? Assume the Natives to he against such a policy—which is a huge ranted assumption—would they rise up rebellion? Of course not. They would page 3 simply give in and accommodate themselves to the change. This, however, would also happen : speculation in Native land would be stopped, and thus the only real obstacle to the adoption of a high-minded and wise policy be removed.

You suggest a difficulty as to apportioning proceeds among the Natives. It is not to be supposed that even under Crown administration everything will go on like clockwork, but there will be the minimum of friction and difficulty. But on this subject it must not be forgotten that now the ownership of nearly all the Native land has been ascertained, and the remainder is being very rapidly put through. And wherever the owners have been ascertained apportionment is simple enough, because it is known who is entitled; and as I have said the local Resident Magistrate could settle any dispute that might arise.

As to reserves, the Natives have now vastly more reserves than they make use of; but give them more if found desirable, or if they wish more.—I am, etc.,

W. Sievwright.

Gisborne,