Speech by the Premier.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 505, 24 January 1906, Page 5

Speech by the Premier.

A NEW LAND POLICY. Speaking at Kuinara on Wednesday evening last Mr Seddon said he was determined that the evils of land monopoly as in Ireland and Scotland must be obviated. They must hot have a congested state of affairs such as was seen in the large cities at Home. He who would grant large areas of land in New Zealand to the detriment of the people was a traitor to his country. The Government meant to limit the aroa of holding. Upon that the Literal party would stand firm as a rock. Underlying the Opposition programme of last election was a corrupt offer of the Opposition to increase large estates. The bid to the Grown tenants made by Mr Massey he would have nothing to do with, A contract had been entered into, and it was wrong to violate that contract, and to do so would do harm to the colony and the individual. The land that we now had was for farm settlement, and in regard to that there should be a qualification and graduation. Some land was valueless till the settlers got on to it, and, without committing himself, he would say they should fix the rent at, say, 1 per cent, on third-class land, 2 per cent, on second-class, and 3 per cent, on first-class. By thus lowering the price they would aid the leasing system. The 999 years' lease was too long. It was forced upon the late Sir John M'Kenzie, and they had then to accept it to save the Land Bill, Ho now believed that the time was ripe for a reform with a reduced rental. He always was, and would be, a leaseholder. In taking land, such as large estates, it must be giving the land to the State to be leased to the people on liberal lease. In regard to Native lands, it was anticipated that half a million acres would be obtained this year. In regard to confiscation of Native lands in the past, he was of opinion that the Natives had a claim upon the people, and he was prepared to see this matter remedied.

Railway Development, He held that the Westland-Otago and the Greymouth<-Ohristohurch lines must be looked upon as national works,. and would be of great benefit in colonial development. The idea was held in the early days to be Macandrew's dream. He trusted it would be Seddou's reality, It would open millions of good land, immense forest lands, and, he believed, a new and important goldfield. He himself bad seen nuggets got there, and the pros pects were promising. In addition, there was the extraordinary attraction of the magnificent mountain scenery, perhaps unequalled in any part of the world. The various Government departments would be asked to report upon the possibilities. Ho was as

strong an advocate for the completion of the Main North Island Trunk railway as for the lines he had spoken of. Million Loan.

Arrangements had been made for borrowing .£1,000,000 authorised by Parliamont last year at 4 per cent., the Government receiving par for the debentures. This year two millions would fall due, and already had been practically provided for.. Industrial Affairs. With regard to monopolies, the people of the colony must be studied. Industries must be fostered in their infancy. He believed in fair trade. Where the conditions were favorable and in the interests of the colony industries should be protected. Since the Government took office 25,000 more hands were employed in factories. He believed that in regard to meat the large companies were too strong, and- a remedy must be supplied. At Home New Zealand mutton was fetching the highest prices, and the meat companies were making immense fortunes. In this respect the farmers were not getting due consideration. Food in the country was costing too much, and it must be looked into. With regard to natural motive power the State must retain it in order that it be .retailed at a fair icost. With regard to labor it had always been his desire and pleasure to see that it received its fair share, and if this was of actual benefit to the employer as well as to the employee, he was proud to be at the head of a party which had aided the cause. Mr Seddon dealt with the coal and gold returns, and predicted a large increase in yield, but said that be brought to bear, and the Government must do more to astist the industry. Low levels must be tested, and Dr Bell must give exhaustive reports upon the gold-bearing localities, and the opinions of the old and experienced miners must be obtained. He defended the increase of the old age pensions, and said the colony was all the better for it. Those who objected to the increase were not now in Parliament. The example set by this colony was being followed in other lands.