LAND COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1432, 17 April 1905, Page 2

LAND COMMISSION.

DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.

[(Pen Press Association.) Christchurch, last nighl

The Land Commission sat here yesterday, and examined a number of witnesses. J. A, McCullough, representing the Trades and Labour Council, gave evidence strongly in favor of the nationalisation of the land. The fact that the State was purchasing land for settlement, and at the same time selling its own land, his Council regarded as not statesmanship, but as idiocy. The sale of Crown lands should have ceased immediately the first estate was purchased. Christopher Hansen, oeeupier of half an acre, a workman’s homes settlement, in a written statement declared himself in favor of the late Sir John McKenzie’s land policy. John Scott Myers gave evidence on behalf of the Political Labor League, and was against the Government selling any more land. He advocated the removal of cropping restrictions. Thomas H. Overton, pastoral tenant, believed in periodical revaluation, and for fixing the value of improvements by arbitration.

George Albert Lassen Greenpart stated he held 600 acres under lease in perpetuity, a tenure which he described as an absurd fad. Every leaseholder should have the right of obtaining the freehold. City agitators wanted revaluation, and that, if granted, would break up leases. Many leaseholders were afraid to attend and give evidence, the reason being that if their testimony did not agree with the Government’s policy they would be placed on the Government’s black books. He was not prepared to give the names of (these tenants. .v Harry Manning, holder of two acreß under lease in perpetuity, did not believe in the freehold.

The Commission rose, and holds its next sitting at Cheviot on Monday. After sitting hero after Eastor the Land Commission go to the North Island, and visit Auckland district in order to sit at places which are difficult to roach in winter owing to the roads being impassable