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Evening Star, Issue 3839, 14 June 1875, Page 2

It would almost appear to be true, as stated duripg the late political battles, that the Otago land policy is now settled. Irreverent tongues used to find another expression “Ota. °fthe land policy, inil ee ls nofc flo poetic or elevatit rwl Z defined the annual dispute with accuracy. The unscrupulous took part in fray, looking out for their own advautage; while those who entered the fists at the first for the good of the Province, quickly became so embittered as te initiate, if not support propositions which, if carried into effect, would have been little short of spoliation and robbery. Nothing could be more tame than the debate —if it can be called such—which ensued on the proposal to ask for an extension of the area available for settlement on the deferred payment system. Members of the Council have all pretty well made up their minds about the system being good in theory, but tfiere is a latent suspicion that the practical results are hot quite so fortunate. Thii suspicion was, no doubt, the reason why the proposal to recommend an increase in sizt of each section was rejected. If the system is a success and enables working men without capital to take up land, 200 acres is enough. If the bonus to settlers is being abused by professional men and speculators 200 acres is too much. Under the system now adopted of opening lease sections in Hundreds no one need limit his farm td 200 acres. Sections in Hundreds cah be purchased for cash, and be made to supplement a deferred payment section. It is impossible for a settler, however hardworking, to do justice to, or even make a living upon 200 acres of land, that is, if he fulfils thel'conditions and does not poach a few unpaid-for stock upon the adjoining run. Next year will be quite time enough to go in for an increase of sectional area. By that time the results of the first settlement under the system will, be more tangible, and the present suspicion, if unjustified, will be allayed, if the Council had recommended an increase of area to 320 acres, together with the recommendation to increase the whole area capable of being sot apart to 100,000 acres, both recommendations would have been set aside. Possibly the 30,000 acres yearly available might have been adhered to, and the size of sections increased. If, as is supposed, an abuse of the system is going on, no strong objection is likely to be urged to the last course. At least the mouths of the principal objectors in the Assembly might have been stopped. Considering the entire absence ©f facts as to the state of the land already taken up on deferred payments the Council did well to abstain from making recommendations! of too innovating a nature, simply for the sake of pandering to outside popularity. The division list shows that only dine were to be found to support Mr Kinross’s motion, moat members refusing to record their opinions.