THE SMALL FREEHOLDER.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 13905, 2 December 1910, Page 3

THE SMALL FREEHOLDER.

TO THE EDITO* OF "THE PRESS. q;-__»The small freeholder is the backbone of the country, and the best asset a country can possess, says a returned Auoklander. I suppose tew peoplo know that Kir Wilter Scott wrote some dramas, ana fewer still read them. Nevertheless "Bonny Dundee" occurs in one ot th ln' "Halidon Hill." Vipont, a Templar (an anachronism, by the way), Swinton, Gordon, and others having fallen on the unguarded flank ot the English archers and played havoc with them, are resting awhile. Swinton: Vipont thou look's, sad. Vipont: It is because I hold a lemplar's sword, Wet to the crossed hilt with Christian blood. _ ~ , , Swinton: The blood of English archers —what can gild A Scottish blade more bravely? Vipont: Even, therefore, grieve I for these gallant yeomen, England's peculiar and appropriate sons. Known in no other land. Each boasts his hearth And field as free as tho best lord his barony, Owing subjection to no human vassalage, Save to their King and law. Hence they are resolute, Leading the van on every day of battle, As men who know the blessings they defend. Hence are they frank and generous in peace, As men who have their portion in its plenty. No other kingdom shows such worth and happiness Veiled in such low estate; I This is the class of men with which the freeholders would people New Zealand, and which the leaseholders are, knowingly or otherwise, doing their best to keep out of it.—Yours, otc, SENEX.