THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2191, 21 September 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

(Special to Times!. ’WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. The Land Tax Bill is now being considered by the House in Committee. This afternoon there was a general discussion upon the _ interp rotation clause, more particularly upon tho portion of it which stipulates that “land” does not include mortgages. The clause was passed just before the dinner adjournment. Clause 3 (regarding necessary repeals of seotions in tho principal Act) and clause 4 (regarding imposition of graduated land tax) were soon disposed of. When clause 5 was readied Mr. Laurenson seized the opportunity afforded of moving to report progress, as an indication that the Government should reduce the £40,000 limit to £25,000. The motion, however, was defeated by 49 to 12. The Government opposed the motion, otherwise there would not have been such a difference in numbers. As already stated, this Bill is likely to pass without any material amendment. There is an impression gaining ground, however, that the Government will not be able to carry their proposals embodied in the Endowment. Bill, and in that event the Land Bilil may not get through this session.