PARLIAMENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10040, 14 July 1910, Page 6

PARLIAMENT.

\ By Telegraph—rPress Association WELLINGTON, July 13.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. The Attorney-General resumed the debate on the Address-in-Reply Dealing specifically with the land question, especially the phases relating to leasehold and freehold, he contended that the cry for the freehold came mainly from politicians, and was raised for political purposes. More than half the L.I.P. tenants had the option of conversion, and declined. They had practically got the freehold, and the only reason urged for the freehold was one of sentiment. He did not object to sentiment so long as it was not at the expense of the State. The political cry co-day grossly exaggerated the importance of land tenures. He did not believe if the freehold were given the lessees would make any difference in the result of their industry. The hunger in this country syas hunger for land, not for freehold, ' aid ihia concentrated demand for the freehold was standing m the way of united action towards getting land for the people, and was therefore inimical to settlement. The problem to-day was not tenure, but territory. In less than six years, at the present rate of settlement, there would be no Crcwn lands left, and there were cot more than two million acres of Maori land availublß. That Would only last a few years. They would have to set their faces strenuously toivaruo ihe subdivision of estates, and must limit the area of Ik.l lings. It was a question also to be .-•< 'ered how beistito use the land, ijc cite 3 the example of Denmark, and indicated that by following that country's example of small holdings and co-operative systems better results from the land in the Dominion would be achieved. Mr Kigg referred .to the necessity for settlement of ,th 3 land on reasonable condition". The debate was adjourned, and the Council ruse. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ■1 ' The Hou§,e met at 2.30 p,m. Rsplying to questions, Ministers stated that the time was not opportune to; amend,the Old Age Pensions Act to grant pensions to invalids and persons unable through chronic disease to earn a living at their calling; that it is not intended to appoint a Royal Commission to investigate and report on the making of appointments t"> the Civil Service system or if political influence is used to gain appointments; that a commission will be set up to inquire into the ventilation of mines aDd tho health and safety o£ miners working underground; that the ques tior. of'amendments to the Licensing Act is now engaging the attention of the Government; that the question of establishing a silver mint in New Zsaland is under consideration; that the question of a New Zealand paper currency, to be interchangeable with the Australian paper currency, requires consideration before an answer can be madvj that it is not intended L to introduce legislation giving statutory preference to Unionists. Mr Alien initiated a discussion on the Land Valuation Act, asking the Minister if any alteration was to be made in the Valuation system. Mr Buddo ( said.there was no necessity for the altaratinn of the Valuation Act, which was elastic enough to do good work. Valuations were made so as to be equitable and consistent with each other. He admitted there might be same delay in a few cases, but on the whole the Department had been able to cope with the work. The remainder of the afternoon sitting wat> devoted to discussing answers to questions.