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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5137, 10 September 1877, Page 2

Having already in general terms expressed the opinion that tho Land Bill introduced by the Hon. Donald Reid contained the—to use a term that is becoming hackneyed—“germs ” of a useful measure, it is now our purpose to examine more closely its details. The fact that the Bill passed its second reading unquestioned, save by the irrepressible member for Bruce, was in itself no slight tribute to its intrinsic merit.. Even that hon. member failed to raise his voice in querulous denunciation, and merely took exception to certain minor details, while hinting at possible alterations in committee. Mr. Reid, on his part, was especially careful to avoid anything like dogmatism. He admitted with perfect frankness the impossibility of at one stroke doing away with the systems familiar to the representative men ’of the provinces “that were, but are not.” He conceded in the most ready manner the possibility of redeeming features in conflicting land laws, and admitted that their unification must be a work of time and earnest endeavor on the part of those desirous of seeing one land law for New Zealand. In-furtherance of this object it is almost needless to say that the office of Minister of Lands is specifically provided for—such powers attaching thereto as will enable the holder to do a groat deal towards the harmonious working of the new system. It may bo questioned whether he will not have too much power, seeing it is intended to vest the appointment of members of Waste Lands Boards in the Government of the day. The plan is, it is almost needless to mention, a continuation of the practice hitherto followed, the Governor in Council taking the place of the Superintendents ; but it is worth while considering whether the elective principle might not be introduced with advantage. Some much-needed provisions are contained in the Bill for the enforcement of the de-ferred-payment conditions, about which there has been difficulty and uncertainty. There are also stringent clauses for the prevention of a practice that was at one time so common as almost to be recognised as permissible, viz., that of bidding for land for the purpose of being “ bought off.” This is now made a misdemeanor, punishable by fine or imprisonment. With regard to tho terms upon which deferred payment lands aro fo be sold, at an advance of one-half upon the cash price, there has been no little virtuous indignation wasted* For everybody knows that long credits and on-

hanoed prices go together. Practically it is found by the small farmer or land selector ■well worth while to pay the increased rate —the difference spread over a term of. years being scarcely felt. To put the matter still more plainly, it may be said that the advantages- of being able to secure possession of land by payment in advance of one-tenth of the ultimate cost price are so great as to outweigh the apparent hardship of a higher price. By the plan of deferred payments many a man who might never have acquired money enough to buy land outright and cultivate it,' has been enabled to make good his. foothold on the soil. Proof of this should not be difficult to obtain, although the matter is one about which, it will be easily understood, those who have profited are‘not 1 likely to be overcommunicative. The extension of the principle to town and suburban, as well as rural lands, may be justly regarded_ as a step in the right direction—one which it would have been well for the colony to have taken years ago. The subdivision of the runs in the South, and their sale on deferred payments, in blocks of not less than 5000 acres, is likely to give rise to considerable opposition in certain quarters ; but having in view the impossibility of keeping down the rabbits on some of the large holdings, it would seem to be the only course open. The regulations as to surveys, shape of blocks of land, &c., are judiciously devised, while large powers are reserved for roadmaking and mining purposes. Without in the meantime proceeding further with our analysis of the Bill, we may safely say that if Parliament can but settle down to the calm arid impartial consideration of its provisions, there is the possibility of at least one useful measure emerging from the mill that has been grinding to so little purpose up to the present time.