The Tuapeka Times THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1870. "Measures, not Men."

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 109, 10 March 1870, Page 4

The Tuapeka Times THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 1870. " Measures, not Men."

In a recent issue we gave a synopsis of the new Victorian Land Act — an Act. which may he charactei"ised as at once liberal and just, and one which will introduce a new era of prosperity into the colony of Victoria. The liberal provisions embraced in, tha^ (Ajjfcwlll not only be "tne means of retaining the present population, but of directing such a stream of immigration as will add greatly to the material prosperity of that colony. It contains all the elements of a successful land law. Free selection before and after survey ; a ten years' lease at 2s. per acre, the rent to constitute the purchase m.on,ey, ara its most prominent features. The people of Victoria worked long and hard before they obtained their- wishes, and they may now be congratulated on being in possession of a land law likely to meet their wants for 1 many years to come. Our New Zealand Legislators would do. well to take this Act as a model for their guidance when the subject of a new land law is brought before the Assembly. Almost every clause of it is adapted to New Zealand ; indeed, until a similar Act is. introduced, all attempts at populating the country will be futile, an.d the large sums expended in. the Immigration Department little better than thrown away. Inducements equal to those held out by America and Victoria m.ust be given before any of the surplus population of Great Britain or Germany will turn their thoughta to- this country. It therefore rests with the people to agitate for a more liberal lan 4 law, and this they will best accomplish by returning to parliament men whose opinions on the land question are well knpwn to.be fully matured, and not those who merely adopt a popular, cry for personal purposes, to delude the unwary electors. The present is the time for those persons qualified having their- names placed upon the Electoral Roll 1 ; arid we would strongly urge upon the inhabitants of the Tuapeka district to take advantage of their rights. If the Goidn'elds residents do not neglect their duty in this respect, before the close, of the present month they will place themselves in a position tp command their own terms, and obtain redress for the many just grievances of which they complain.