THE LAND COMPANY’S BILL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1323, 30 June 1883, Page 2

THE LAND COMPANY’S BILL.

The Parliamentary reporter of the Evening Star says, speaking of the New Zea’and Native Land Company’s Bill i—-“I have authority fo» stating that there are alrea«ly serious dissensions in the Cabinet re this matter, and when the measure comes before the House there is sure to be a great changing of sides. Members opposed to the designs of the Company assert that the measure as drafted will give the Company a complete monoply of the trade in native land, and slate that if the Bill is made a public one, so that the privileges may be extended to other corporal ions, the opposition will not be so strong. A number of members who have hitherto been led by Sir George Grey, are. anxiously awaiting an expression of opinion from him regarding the measure, and 1 can authoritatively assert that should Sir George decline to oppose the Bill, the cohesiveness of the Grey party will be irreparably lost 1 mean that several member* wilJ feel themselves justified in making any new alliances they may think fit. Thia question will place Sir George Grey in an awkward po«i tion, as several of Lis political friends— Messrs DeLautour and George being amongst the number—are directors of the company 1 may add that the Christchurch Press and other Minis tarial organs, condemn the granting of privileges to the Company. Round this measure the fiercest combat of the session will be waged. Mr. Fish’s question respecting the resumption of the preemptive right by the Government over Native laads is with a view to action on the Land Company’s private bill. He and several other members will prefer the resumption of the pre-emptive right, and it is said Sir George Grey is with them. It is believed, in fact, that the question is put by Mr. Fish at Bir George Grey’s suggestion. Wahanui’s petition has made a stir among the members on both sides of the House. The Bill has not yet been circulated, nor are its contents known here.