ALIENS ON THE LAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1917, Page 6

ALIENS ON THE LAND.

STATEMENTS IN THE HOUSE. (Parliamentary Correspondent.) Wellington, August 30. Further reference was made in the House to-day to the complaints that aliens and alien enemies are being allowed to purchase the lands of men proceeding on active service. Mr. Massey, answering questions, said it was quite impossible to transfer lands to enemy subjects, since that would constitute trading with the enemy. The authorities had prevented on/ all occasions the transfer of Crown lands' |to aliens. There was a difficulty with regard to naturalised aliens who were j British subjects. He could not prevent British subjects buying private lands. | Dr. I backer: What about preventing the sale of the land of soldiers to anybody. Mr. Massey said he felt that soldiers' lands should not be sold, and he was endeavoring to make arrangements to prevent it. lie intended to bring down legislation dealing with the point. Mr. Poland (Ohinemuri) said that naturalised Austrians and Germans were buying land freely. Syndicates of Austrians had been formed to purchase dairy lands. Mr. Massey said lie had discussed this matter with his ollicers. It was difficult to interfere when the purchasers were legally British subjects.