THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2173, 31 August 1907, Page 1

THE LAND BILL.

[To the Editor.]

Sir, —The Land Bill as amended by the Committee- has probably escaped the notice of your readers, yet there is one clause so drastic that I fancy a largo portion of the fanning community will be somewhat alarmed when their attention is called to it. I allude to Clause 69, where Clause 13 of the Lands for Settlement Act is made to apply to all the lands within 15 miles of any Borough. This means, if read in conjunction with Clause 66, which amends the Land for Settlements Apt, that the farmer within 15 miles of Gisborne could have and is liable to have his land acquired at the Government assessment or rateablo value plus 10 per cent, and could only retain the amount allowed Under the Act. Farmers talco so little interest in the politics of the day, that it is worth while trying to draw their attention to this fresh clause of tho Land Bill which is likely to have farreacliing effects, as it is operative :upon small estates as well as large ones. If your readers would procure a copy of the Bill and carefully study it in conjunction with the resolutions upon it passed by the Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union and published in your columns last month they would realise that there was' mfich food for reflection in it and inattor as much—if not more —of interest to the smaller farmers as to tho larger ones.—l am etc., PRO PATRIA. Gisborne, August 29.