Political.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3573, 16 September 1905, Page 2

Political.

While engaged in debate on the Land Commission’s Report in the House at 1.10 yesterday morning, Mr Massey put the following amendment, “ The Government, having received the report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the best: form of land tenure for the colony, and having failed to formulate any land policy which will grant to the tenants of the Crown the right to acquire the freehold . f their farms on equitable terms, forfeits the confidence of this House." The amendment was rejected by 44 votes to 26.

Mr Taylor, at 1.20 a.m., moved the following amendment: House is of the opinion that no legislation affecting the lands of the colony will be satisfactory that does not provide for the cessation of the sale of Crown lands, and is also of the o;)inion that the remnant of the nublic estate should be created into a national educational endowment.” This was lost by 58 votes to xi.

Mr Rhodes then moved an amendment in the direction of giving lessees* in-perpetuity the right to purchase the freehold at the original valuation either by instalment or otherwise; that where 4 per cent had been paid, there be, in addition, such amount as would make the payment equivalent to what it would have been at a 5 per cent basis ; that aggregation of large estates be prevented by imposing sncli restrictions as are imposed under (he lands for settlement; and that all moneys received from the sale of land, be set aside for further purchase of land for closer settlement.

As there was a probability of considerable discussion on this amendment, the Hon Mr Hall-Jones moved the adjournment of the debate, which was agreed to. An Otaki man has become a worshipper of Mr Bryon Brown, Independent Liberal candidate for the Otaki mat. He sent the following, which must be taken ciun grano salis, to a contemporary for publication :—“ Mr Brown shows great originality, a magnetic influence over the people that few public speakers have yet attained, his elocutionary powers are of no mean order, which is a great aid to effective public speaking. His home thrusts are effective, manly, and to the point. I believe that if Mr Brown is returned to Parliament he will be a lively member, and the pride of Ofafci electorate.” Mr Byron Brown asserts that he wae asked by Mr Field to stand down from the contest for the Otaki seat, but he refused.