FREEHOLD V. LEASEHOLD.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1920, Page 4

FREEHOLD V. LEASEHOLD.

ANOTHER FIGHT IN HOUSE. (Our Parliamentary Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 7. Another fight on the issue of the freehold versus leasehold, was opened in the House of Representatives to-day, when the Rcfforua Town Lands Bill proposes to confer on the tenants of Crown leases in the town of Rotorua, the right to acquire the freehold. Opposition to the proposal from the Liberal benches was announced’at once. Mr Sullivan (Avon) suggested that the Bill should be called “Bill for Spoliation of New Zeaand.” Mr Rhodes (Thames) —A rose by another name.

'Several Liberals and Labour members declared their oppositian to the Bill. Dr Thacker said that the public property was being pirated and suggested that if Government was determined to sell, all sections should be balloted, in order that everybody should have the chance of making a win. Mr Holland (Buller) informed the House that the Labour Party was “the logical and legitimate successor to the Ballance and Seddon Party,” and intended t 0 live up to that claim iin connection with the Bill. It would fight the Bill, every inch of the way. The Bill was introduced on division, by 38 votes to 25. Mr Wilford, the new Liberal Leader, voted with the Government.