LAND COMMISSION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1476, 9 June 1905, Page 2

LAND COMMISSION.

Pec Press Association. I Napier, last night. The Land Commission sat at Waipuknrau to-day. The Hon. W. E. Smith, M.L.C., said he would not express an opinion on the merits of the various systems of land tenure, as the proper time and place for him to do that would be when the question came before Parliament, but ho advocated allowing tenants to pay into a fund to reduce the capital value of their land, and so pay rent on ths smaller amount. This would encourage thrift. He had telegraphed to the Premier asking if this could be done, and had received a reply that the matter should come before the Commission.-

I John Williamson, farmer, at Hatama, [ representing 45 Hatuma settlers, favored the freehold in preference to the lease in perpetuity- Personally he considered that the majority of members of Land Boards should be elective on a connty council franchise. ■ . , ; ■ R. H. Falconer, farmer, Hatuma, and T. Butter, farmer, Hatuma, both approved of tho leaso in perpetuity, but tho latter would like to bo allowed to pay off 50 per cent, of tho capital value, and only, pay rent on tho balance-

H. T. Wright, farmer, favored Land Boards being elective. John Parsons, farmer, and John Duncan, farmer, Elsthorpe, , both, favored the freehold.

The Commission will sit at Hastings tomorrow.

THE OTHER HALF. [ (Her Press Association.) Cambridge, last night. The Land Commission sat here last night. About 40 or 50 settlers were present. Crown tenants at Fencourt, Karapito, and Whitehall estates all favored the right of purchase, except three in ' the former, who were satisfied with leases, although they suggested certain amendments in the law. Several witnesses representing the Farmers’ Club favored the freehold. The Commission has gone to Matamata. ’

EXTENSION OF TIME. (Per Press Association. l ) Wellington, last night. The Land Commission has been granted an extension of time for the presentation of its report from June Ist to 20th.