THE LAND BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 8 May 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

lteceived stli, 5.12 p.m.

Auckland, May 7. the following resolution was carried at a meeting, held at Kawhia last night, under the auspices of the Farmers' Union, and presided over by the Hon. W. W. McCardle. M.L.C.—'"That this meeting views with great fear and alarm the proposed Land Bill, as we feel sure that if it becomes law it will very materially retard the prosperity of the whole colony." FREEHOLD MOTION DEFEATED. Per Press Association.

Rangiora, May 7. Mr. G, W. Leadley, vice-president of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and Mr. ,T. Burgess, of Warea, Taranaki, opened the Farmers' Union compaign in Canterbury to-night by addressing a fnirlv well-attended meeting at Rangiora. Air. F. Horrell, chairman of the Mandeville Koad Board, presided. Mr. Leadley stated that the Union was not actuated by any political party motives, and would not be drawn into the mud-puddle of party politics. Reviewing the chief clauses of the Bill, lie quoted Mr. McNab's statement that the real object of the Bill was to cheapen land. He strongly condemned this in view of tile fact that the land was the security for large amounts of public and private loans. After adversely criticising the endowment and limitation clauses, he strongly condemned the provision requiring mortgagees who have become the purchasers of mortgaged rural lands to dispossess themselves of such lands within two years. .Mr. Burgess instanced the inadequate- allow,im-on made for improvements by Government valuers as a strong reason for desiring the freehold. A resolution that no land system will lie acceptable unless it includes the option of ae quiring freehold, was moved, but' was outvoted liy the supporters of an amendment expressing confidence in tlie Government and approval of (he. Land Bill.