(80)
would be deprived. at least in a great measure, of
the advantages to be derived from a traffic in
native produce. The Government should bear
in mind, in legislating on this subject, that some-
thing like one-half of our imports are consumed
by the dispersed settlements amongst the natives
on the coast, and thus a considerable and profit-
able commerce is being carried on, which, under
the system of concentration would be nearly des-
troyed. His Excellency the Governor has ob-
served that it is of the first importance to preserve
the whaling and the trading stations; and thus
admitted the necessity for dispersed settlements;
but Government is, at the same time, pressing
the importance of centralisation-an evident con-
tradiction. His Excellency did not come out
here to found a colony; on the contrary he found
one already formed, consisting of almost innum-
erable settlements dispersed over the islands, and
carrying on an extensive commerce with the
natives. The best policy of Government was,
to preserve these settlements, and not sacrifice
the best interests of the colony to a mere theo-
retical principle. By compelling the proprietors
of coast stations to come to Auckland, one-half
of the commerce of the colony would be destroyed.
I am sorry to have heard the intention expressed
by His Excellency, of not establishing a district
in the Middle Island, from which Land Claimants
resident there might select their possessions
From a conversation which I had with His Ex-
cellency a short iime ago, I considered this point
conceded. The reason given for this alteration in
the Government policy is not a little amusing.
It is said that it would be unfair to the residents
of Port Nicholson to establish a rival to them at
Port Cooper, but I can assure His Excellency
and the Government that the settlers at Port Ni-
cholson will have no such fear; on the coutrary,
the establishment of such a settlement would give
them satisfaction. Should this advantage not be
conceded, the impression on the minds of the Port
Nicholson people must be, that the reason why
a district is not selected on the Middle Island,
where Land Claimants may locate themselves is,
that they may be compelled to break up their ex-
tensive eoasting trade, and come to reside at
Auckland, or in its vicinity. So far from fearing
any rival, the Government will be puzzled to
make Auckland a rival to Port Nicholson. I be-
lieve the settlers at Port Nicholson would feel
much obliged to the Government, if it was possi-
ble, to establish Towns in all parts of the Middle
Island. As to the Schedule appended to the bill,
respecting the definition of lands in and around
Port Nicholson, I may observe that a large adci-
tional quantity has been selected since His Excel-
lency's visit. A considerable portion of Land
has also been made choice of in the Wanganui
district, and the same process in in operation at
Nelson. It will be better if these settlements are
included in the Schedule to the present bill, rather
than have to Legislate on the subject in the next
Session of the Legislative Council. Two points
of the bill, as it now stands, I shall continue to
oppose. I never can agree that claimants shall be
dispossessed of the lands they now hold; and I do
hope that Government will establish a station on
the Middle Island. If these concessions be not
made, those differences and dissensions which
have unfortunately prevailed in the minds of
many setllers at Port Nielholson, as regards certain
measures of Government, will be increased rather
than allayed.

The Governor.—It will be seen, on reference
to section 23 in the bill now before the Council,
that schedule D., to which the hon. member has
referred, describes the land belonging to the New
Zealand Company, to which they have been
deemed entitled to the fee simple and inheritance.
These include several portions, consisting not
only of the town of Wellington itself but also the
Town and Harbour Districts, besides considerable
estates at Banks's Peninsula, and in the Hutt Dis-
trict. Before long, Commissioners will proceed
to that part of the Island, and report upon the
Company's claims at Wanganui, and also in the
Nelson settlement. Should their titles be found
valid, the claims of the Company will be recog-
nized. On my late visit, it was deemed an act of
justice to guarantee the Company a right to those
portions of land enumerated in the schedule, to
restore public credit, and give confidence in the
Company's transactions with settlers. I gua-
ranteed them against any act of government, but
not against native claims. To enable the Com-
pany to fulfil their pledges to the public, I as-
signed large tracts of land in the districts I have
mentioned; and so I will at Wanganui, and at
Nelson, when the proper investigations have been
made. More cannot be expected. With regard
to the observations of the hon. member as to the
provision in the 19th clause, it was a species of
special pleading to assert that the titles to lands
"validly sold" to the old settlers, would not be
recognized.

Mr. Clendon.—One of my objections is, that
the districts from which land may be selected by
the claimants, are not accurately defined.

The Colonial Secretary.—If we agree upon the
general principle, the details may be settled in
Committee. Taking the most confined view, the
limits must be extremely extensive..

Mr. Clendon.—How is the limit of five shil-
lings per acre to be ascertained? There may be
disputes as to the actual amount given.

The Governor.—The object of the bill is to
benefit the Colony, and Government is diposed to
take a liberal course in regard to all matters on
which disputes may arise with the claimants. So
far as I can understand the present complaints of
hon. members, I shall be ready to acquiesce in
any remedy for their removal. Much of the land
has been purchased for goods; and, I repeat, a
very liberal view will be taken on any subject of
difference that may arise.

The Colonial Treasurer suggested, that the dis-
cussion on details now was out of order. The
alterations named might be discussed when in
Committee.

The Governor said,—The proper course was
now for the Colonial Secretary, who moved the
order of the day, and which had been seconded
by Mr. Porter, to reply.