LEASEHOLDERS' CONFERENCE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXII, Issue 61, 14 March 1910, Page 6

LEASEHOLDERS' CONFERENCE.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION. ] CHRISTCHURCH, March 10. The following is the official report of the leasehold conference : A conference of leasehold members of Parliament was held in the Trades Hall to-day. It was called by the Hon. J. Paul, M.L.C., and Mr J. F. Arnold, M.P. The following were present :—Hons. Anstey, Baiir and Paul, M's.L.C., Sir W. Steward, Messrs T. E. Taylor, Ell, Laurenson, Davey, Witty, Hogg, Russell, Hogaoi, Arnold, Hanan, and Forbes, M's.P. Apologies Avere received from the Hons. Rigg', Jones, Luke and M'Gowan, M's.L.C., and Messrs Guinness (Speaker of the House), Seddon, M'Laren, Poole, Craigie, Luke, Colvin, Sidey, Lawry, and 11. A. Wright, M's.P. Sir W. J. Steward was elected chairman. After full discussion of the land question in all its branches, the following resolutions were arrived at: That this conference desires to put on record its belief that -the land question, being the most important that can come before Parliament for solution, should be dealt with in accordance with the principles that have inspired the Liberal party for the last 20 years. That it therefore protests against any proposal for selling any part of the national endowment lands. That it also protests against the ordinary Crown Lands now under lease, or arty lands purchased by the Government foe. land settlement purposes. That it affirms the necessity for extending the endowment principle to the remaining Crown Hands. That the right of transfer of State leases be restricted by law with a view to stopping gambling and speculation in good-will, etc. That it affirms the principle that there shall be no interference with existing leasehold or freehold titles, except where required for settlement or other public purposes. That this conference of members of Parliament pledges itself to make every effort to prevent legislation to these resolutions reaching the statute book. A committee consisting of Messirs Arnold, Hog'an, Laurenson, Paul, Russell, and Witty, was appointed to interview the Prime Minister and place before him. the wishes of the conference. Satisfaction was expressed' at the attendance of members, especially those who had travelled long distances to be present. A most hopeful spirit pervaded the conference, and ijfs* was made aware of spontaneous offers of financial aesistanoe if required, the majority of such offers coining from sympathisers outside Parliament..