CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2095, 22 January 1908, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public mafcten is welcomed at all times, but it must be distinctly understood that thiß journal is in no way associated wish the opinions of its correspondents.) THE LAND QUESTION.

[To the Editoii.]

Sir, —-Your lender in Mondays issue -dealing with the -small grazing runs is to tlio point, and puts tho matter fairly before -the public, showing how the Government intends treating some of tlieir tenants. I am not a runholder, but i certainly think the Government- intends to go back on their tenants if they can do so, and there were some remarks that fell from the Minister of Lands that were not reported in either of tho papers which I consider are ominous to Government tenants. In alluding to tlie mil all grazing runs taken up mid or the 1892 Act, he said:—“Some authorities say that tho tenants under this Act- have a perpetual right of renewal, but if ic is found that these lands are required for closer settlement, I hare no doubt but- that legislation will be passed dealing with them, so that they can be cut up it required.” In toe 1892 Act it says distinctly that too lesseo shajl have the right of renewal- for -another 21 years; so if the Government can go back on its tenants in that fashion, what is to -hinder it going back on all the 999-years’ tenants and taking tlieir lands from them? It seems to me that the freehold is tlie only safe tenure under which we can rely, and it only wants a stronger Socialistic party in the House to get possession of toe lands leased -under 999 years’ tenure from the present occupiers to be chopped up into 50 or 100 -aero sections. —Yours, etc., “A FREEHOLDER.” Gisborne, Jan. 21.