THE LAND QUESTION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 995, 13 May 1881, Page 2

THE LAND QUESTION.

TO THK EDITOR.

Sir, —The reform of the land tenure is without doubt the turning point of the future of New Zealand. It must he a thoroughly systematical one, and to be such, it must proceed from the united voice of the people. Gradually must the land be made to hear the incident of taxation. Thus, as the 20,000,000 acres of pastoral land in in the co'ony only yields the revenue about L 240.000 a year, it must be made to yield in the course of twenty years, by a progressive system of leasehold, the sum of L 750.000 to L 1,000,000. With a lesser area, this might be easily effected, while the occupants would all bo able to realise comfortable livings. Nor would it be necessary to confine their business to grazing ; but with a Pastoral Land System in view, founded upon the basis of perpetual leasehold, the time would come when taxation woukl be unnecessary. If New Zealand is to become a frozen meat and produce exporting colony, land reform must be the source from which the trade will spring. Even the squatting monopo'y allow this, but it is not to be expected that they will renounce the claim they have as pioneers, without a struggle. It is for the people to crush this opposition, to declare whether between 24<l an acre and 5s for the comfort and consideration of the wool king, who enjoys himself in England, or the world, on the balance. In this district we have about 40,000 acres of first rate pastoral uplands, distant twenty miles from O unaru, which would carry eight respectable and practical hill farmers, holding 5000 acres each ; retired shepherds, for instance, wha have-saved a bit of money, and who are waiting patiently for this reform. Is it necessary to ask which would be of the greatest benefit to the colony, the two or three squatters who subdivide this area at 2Jd an acre, or the eight hill-men who would subdivide it at 2s 6d, or whatever rent under os put upon it ?—I am. etc., W. b\ KINNEA.It. Oamaru, April 3, 1881.