PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP

Te Aroha News, Volume VIII, Issue 490, 19 July 1890, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY GOSSIP

OHINEMURI AGRICULTURAL LEASES. Mr Cabman asked the Minister of Lands what he purposes doing with the land held as agricultural leases in the Oliinemuri county when he has succeeded in hunting the preseut occupiers off? In reply Mr Richardson said these people had been exceptionally treated. They could acquire the fee simple of their land for 5s an acre. On the other hand they had an opportunity of having their leases altered by abandoning their sections and having them put up again and revalued. He thought their position had been very much improved. Mr Cadmau asked whether the Minister of Lands would forego the 15s per acre arrears of rent for land worth about 3s an acre ? Mr Richardson said the settlers could bring their case before the Auckland Land Board. The Government could not allow the rents they had paid to be taken as payment for the land. SHEEP BRANDING BILL. The Joint Stock Committee sat for two hours on Thursday, the whole time

being occupied in 'considering the Sleep Branding Bill, and the proposed amendment thereto. Many ’ important principles in the Bill were strongly opposed by those members who desire to prevent tlte settlers from, being hampered or harassed by lesrislattoii.Ti.it uimensurate in its betnffiis to the trouble i'.. is calculated to cause. The Ooinn, ; ti.e« were to sit again the following day, when it is likely the Sheep Branding Kill will be disposed of, anJ the Cuttle Bill dealt with.