DAY IN PARLIAMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20914, 20 September 1939, Page 11

DAY IN PARLIAMENT

SMALL FARMS SCHEME PURCHASING CLAUSE DROPPED WARTIME TAXATION AWAITED (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) WELLINGTON, Tuesday All of today's sitting of the House of Representatives was occupied in discussion on the relative merits of freehold and leasehold tenures of land. The debate took place on the Small Farms Amendment Bill, which gives tenants under the small farms scheme a 33-year lease in perpetuity, instead of a 10-year lease with a compulsory purchasing clause, as at present. Little of any consequence now remains on the urder Pamper for the consideration of members, and until such time as the Government introduces its proposals for financing New Zealand’s effort In the war, the proceedings in Parliament are not likely to arouse any great interest. Moving the second reading of the Small Farms Amendment Bill, the Minister of hands, the Hon. F. Langstone. contended that the Bill would give tenants settled on small farm holdings a greater measure of security than could be obtained by granting them a freehold tenure. His view was supported by other Government speakers. The advantages of freehold were pointed out by members of the Opposition, who referred to the inherent desire of farmers to own their own properties. They argued that the previous Government, which had established the small farm plan, had given tenants an undertaking that they would have the option of freehold, but the Bill would deny them that right. Four Now Bills Four new Bills were introduced. One confirmed and validated the regulations made under the Agricultural (Emergency Powers) Act since the last session of Parliament. Another provided for the incorporation of the New Zealand Library Association, and the remaining two were usual “wash-ing-up” Bills, relating to native 1 affairs and local body legislation. The House rose at 10.25 p.m. unnl tomorrow. Before the adjournment was taken, the acting-Prlme Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, said It was unlikely that the financial measures relating to the war would be introduced before Thursday.