THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1907.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 39, 19 July 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, JULY 19, 1907.

As was foreshadowed by the closing speeches of the Minister for Lands, in favour of the Land Bill, the proposals of the Government in the direction of land legislation have , been somewhat modified, and the various innovations are to be presented under different headings. The aggregation of large estates is provided against by the imposition of a graduated land tax, and this proposal will probably meet with general approval in view of the sentiments expressed by the great majority during the recent land campaign. The proposal which will have the most far-reaching effect, as far as the small farmer is concerned, is that which will enable the holders of lease in perpetuity titles to convert their holdings into freehold at a price to be fixed by arbitration as at the date when they notify their intention to purchase outright. This effectually deals with what has long been a vexed question, and will doubtless satisfy the widespread clamour in favour of the optional tenure, which was so prominent throughout the recent campaign of the Minister for Lands. The endowment scheme is provided for under a distinct heading, and an area of nine million acres is to be set aside for the purpose, the income to be devoted to Education and Old Age Pensions. The land proposals may be regarded as recording a victory in favour of the advocates of the optional tenure. The exponents of the proposed Land Bill were careful to state on every occasion that the freehold principle was not threatened in any way, and according to Mr McNab the prevention of the aggregation of large estates, and the reduction of those already held, were deemed to be the most important features of the proposed measure. To a Southerner accustomed to the vast runs of the South Island, and the knowledge that progress was being hampered thereby, the most important clauses of the Bill were those dealing with the limitation of area. In the North, where there is still much unsettled land, the vital aspect of the question was tenure, and in this instance the North has scored. There arc usually more ways than one of arriving at a given point, and without foregoing any portion of their democratic and progressive policy the members of the Government may be congratulated upon making a step in advance, without infringing any of " x'ights and liberties " so often referred to in connection with the land proposals. The Government intentions with regard to Native lands are still apparently somewhat nebulous. The question is referred to in the budget as one to be avoided and this attitude in the past no doubt accounts for the unprecedented state of muddle into which the Native land laws have drifted. However, any activity by the authorities is a sign of grace, and some good may be accomplished. Ferhaps this is rather much to hope for. The history of the question records that at the first sign of difficulty the authorities became panic stricken, and were only too glad to have a " Taihoa policy "

to fall back upon. Now that a progressive movement has at last been started, it is to be hoped there will be no turning back. A good strong policy is all that is necessary to make for progress, r.nd the sooner such a course is adopted the sooner will the Native become, in very truth, the equal of his European brother,_ as a responsible unit in the Dominion of New Zealand. - -- - - - - ■ TE KUITI POST OFFICE. The question of a Post-office for Te Kuiti has progressed a step further through the maze of Departmentalism, which has to be negotiated before the slightest material attention is granted to any public requirement by the authorities. The subject was brought before the Acting-Postmaster-General, at Wellington, on Monday, and was explained by Major Lusk, supported by Mr Jennings, M.H.R. From the nature of the reply given by the Postmaster-General, it appears as though the situation was not understood by the Department, notwithstanding that considerable correspondence has already passed between the Department and the local Vigilance Committee. Dr Findlay seemed surprised that a site had been refused, and characterised such action as a mistake. Doubtless the Minister made the stereotyped reply that the matter would be carefully enquired into before taking action, and the result will be that the question will be carefully shelved until a further agitation is set on foot by the residents. Unfortunately, the site which was offered for a post-office is no longer available, the Department having failed to take advantage of the offer within the specified period. It is to be hoped the residents will not allow this matter to be conveniently consigned to oblivion, but will take the necessary steps to carefully acquaint the authorities with the full facts of the case, and agitate until the erection of a suitable building, on a suitable site, has actually been authorised. Mr Jennings has done his utmost and can be depended upon to go still further. However, it is a matter of impossibility for the member for such an extensive electorate to be acquainted with every detail of local requirements. It is therefore the obvious duty of the residents to keep the matter moving, and religiously explain their requirements to both Mr Jennings and the Departmental authorities.