THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1892. GENERAL BOOTH’S SCHEME.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2391, 4 August 1892, Page 2

THE Temuka Leader. THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1892. GENERAL BOOTH’S SCHEME.

Papers laid on the tables of the House disclose the General Bootli settlement scheme, about which such a fierce opposition cry has been set up. The funny part of the whole thing is that it was Lord Onslow, our late Governor, who urged the matter on on the Government, and in the course of his letter he makes use of language, and sentiments, as Radical as has ever been employed by anyone in New Zealand. After urging on the Government the desirability of allotiug 5000 acres to General Bootli for a settlement, .Lord Onslow said :—" I would put before the Government suggestions for guarding the settlers from becoming a prey to money lenders, and the State from being the victim of land speculation.” Goodness gracious ! and thus a Tory Lord talks about “ the prey of moneylenders ” and “ the State being the victim of land speculation.” We have always held that English Tories are more Liberal than the New Zealanders, and here is another proof of it. We have given expression to Radical sentiments frequently, but have said nothing worse than Lord Onslow has said. But we must not lose sight of what the Government didin the General Booth scheme. Tue Premier merely promised Lord Onslow that his suggestions would be adopted, and that suitable provisions would be made in tiie Land Bill with this object in view. No special provisions would, however, be made for General Booth’s scheme, but he would get land on the same conditions as other organisations. There is nothing more of any importance in connection with the matter, yet over this the Conservatives have screamed themselves hoarse, denouncing the Government for conniving at introducing General Booth’s pauper criminals. This show's what little reliance we can set on cries got up for party purposes.