THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1868, 24 September 1906, Page 3

THE LAND BILL.

DISCUSSED BY THE GISBORNE FARMERS’ UNION. At a largoly attended meeting of the Gisborne braoch of the Farmers’ Union held on Saturday, tha Land Bill now before Parliament was discussed. Tho following resolution was moved by tho Chairman, Mr W. Douglas Lysnar: 11 That this meeting, having taken into consideration the Land Act Amendment Bill now before Parliament, is of opinion that it does not provide or carry out the spirit of legislation contemplated at the lost eleotion, inasmuoh as—l. It defeats the demand for the freehold by Crown tenants. 2. The national endowment suggested of all remaioing Crown lands is not advisable, but wou’d be commendable to a limited extent, 3. The renewal lease system of 66 years is abortive, for the reason that it does not apply to pastoral lands. 4. The modification of residential conditions should apply to pastoral as well as tural lands. 5. The provisions and limitations regarding private estates are — (.) too drast : c, ucc institutional, and should not have a retiospective effect ; (b) the power of borrowing on fieehili security will be seriously imperilled, us the limits-

tious of area would hampsr, if not prevent, financial institutions loading upon freehold securities, which would have a disastrous aod very widespread effect generally; (e) and further, it will retard the pioneer capitalist in developing the very large area of remaining virgin country, which is against the true welfare and interest of the working man and of the oolony ; the objeotion to private individuals accumulating large estates is, in the meantime, fully mat oy the statutory provisions which enables the Government of the day to take over any ostates requited for settlement upon payment of fair compensation. The spirit of the proposed 811 rather lends color to the impression that the Goyornment is burking.tbe question of financing the acquisition ot large estates and forcing this upon the owners of private estates ” Speaking to the motion Mr Lysnar said that the matter was one of the utmost importance, the Rill having a far reaching effect He desired to see the measure discussed on the broad principle, and not how it could iafl'ect them individually. The speaker at considerable length dealt with the various clauses, explaining the same to those present. One of the principle planks of the Union was the freehold and this Bill sought to do away with it Mr Birrell thought consideration of the matter should he deferred until members had had an opportunity of studying the Bill. Ho had only that morning received a copy of it and he wanted to read it through Mr A- J. Cameron seconded the resolution. Mr Birrell said the measure was framed for the benefit of the colony as a whole and not for Poverty Bay in particular. The Government were doing their best to cope with the demand for land Mr Field : There was not much land

hunger when wool was at fourpence. Mr Birrell; I want to soe everyone happy. If wool keeps going up we will be getting too big for our boots. In New Zealand we cannot afford to have too many large holdings. It is only a small place. __Mr A. Tuohy did not want to see holders of large areas debarred from purchasing further property. Mr Gordon approved of the resolutionMr Gallngher was surprised to see op-

position to the Bill. When bo esinc to the mectb'g ho expected to hear fa'r oriticism of the Bill, but not the biassed statements made by Mr Lysnar. Toe latter was as strong against ihe Bill os tboogh ho was defending a cfi9nt in tho Supreme Court, and being well paid f ir it. (Lmghter.) Tho men who had framed tho Bill w.ra not fools. They were the cleverest men in the colony, and had the very best legal opinion. He moved that consideration of the question be deferred

for a formight. Mr Birrell seconded. Me Cameron said that if tho discussion were adjourned thoy would bo too late to take action, os the Bill would bo passed. Ho thought that when settlers experienced h irdships in the bark-blocks they should bo allowed to retain tboir holdings. Alter fur.her discussion the motion was crrried by a large majority.