Leaseholders in Con= ference.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 March 1910, Page 4

Leaseholders in Con= ference.

OFFICIAL REPORT. KERTES OF RKSOLUTIOXS. i.PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.J CHRTSTOHURCH, March 10. The following is the official report of the leasehold conference :— A conference of leasehold members of Parliament was held in the Trades Hall to-day. It was called l>y tho Hon. J. Paul .M.L.C., mitl Mr,.!. F. Arnold. 11.P. The following were present:—Hons. Anstoy, Hair and Paul, M.L.C.'s, Sir W. Steward, Messrs T. E. Taylor, Fill, Laiironson, Davey, Witty, Hogg, Arnold. Hanan and Forbes. M.P.'s. Apologies wave received from the Hons. Rig<r, Jones. Luke, and MeGownii, M.L.C.'s, ancHiessrs Guinness (Sneaker of the Honso), Sriilclon, .McLaren, Poole, Craigic, Luke. Colvin, Sidey. La wry and R. A. Wright, M.P.'s. Sir W. Steward was elected chairman. After full discussion of the land question in all its phases the followin", resolutions were arrived at:— That this conference desires to put on' record its belief that the land question, being the most important that can come before Parliament for solution, should bo dealt with in accordance with the- principles that have inspired tho Liberal party for the last twenty years. That it therefore protests against any proposal for selling any part of the national endowment lands. That it also protests against the granting of the fee simple of ordinary Crown lands now under lease, or any lands purchased by the Government for land settlement purposes. That it affirms the necessity lor extending tho endowment principle to the remaining Crown lands. That the right of transfer ot State leases be restricted by law with a view to stopping gambling and speculation in goodwill, etc. That it affirms the principle that there shall be no interference with existing leasehold or freehold titles, except where requiTeS for settlement or other public purposes. That this conference of members of Parliament pledges itself to make every effort to prevent legislation in opposition to these resolutions reaching the statute book. A committee consisting of Messrs Arnold, Hogan, Laurenson, Paul, Russell, and Witty, was appointed to interview the Prime Minister and place before him the wishes of the conference. Satisfaction was expressed at tho attendance of members, especially those who had travelled lonrr disto be present. A most hopeful spirit pervaded the conference, and it was made aware of spontaneous offers of financial assistance if required, the majority of such, offers coining from sympathisers outside Parliament.