DISINHERITANCE?

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 16, 5 November 1948, Page 5

DISINHERITANCE?

Fears Expressed By Farmers that the Government might intend to interfere with the right of ' land inheritance were reflected in discussion at an executive meeting of the Bay of Plenty Province of Federated Farmers concerning a recent statement in the House of Representatives allegedly made by JVTr H. E. McCombs, Government member for Onslow, and since denied him, that, “those who held land tenure -today and thought it could be passed on to their heirs must readjust their ideas.” “These little outbursts give rise to immense distrust among the : farmers towards Government policy,” stated the President, Mr A. L. 'Friis. “Whether such statements, which are occasionally made, follow ~a pattern, and are intended to prewarn, or not, we cannot say, /but where there is smoke, there is fire. We must follow this principle/’ he . added. “Don’t we have to accept the member’s denial?” asked Mr S. A. Katikati.

“The implication was there. Mr Combs gave two different versions of what he actually said,” Mr E. J. Vosper remarked. The remark attributed to Mr ■Combs was reported to have been made during the debate on the Land 'Valuation Court Bill, which was criticised by delegates at the meeting. “We would be well advised to : show our attitude,” said Mr A. Robins, Rangitaiki.' “The whole position will soon become intolerable for the owner of land.” A Te Puke delegate, Mr W. J. ..Ross, ‘alleged that appointments to "the Court could be mainly political ..appointments. “The position needs watching,” he added. When Mr Vosper asked the members the clauses of the Bill to which they objected, several delegates stated that they did not like any part of it. It was decided to support any preliminary action taken by the Dominion Council on the matter, and the delegate to the Council meeting, Mr S. A. Wells, ■ was instructed to bring the question forward: