A MILD BLOCKADE

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 85, 8 October 1915, Page 8

A MILD BLOCKADE

AN EARLY MORNING INCIDENT. Daybreak this morning saw the House of Representatives in the throes of a debate on the- old controversial subject of leasehold versus freehold, and at one stage it looked as though the discussion would last indefinitely. The trouble arose over a clause in the Land Laws Amendment Bill which provided for the ac?[uisition of the 'freehold of. certain Crown ands in the Westland mining district. Uncompromising opponents of the freehold on the Liberal side of the House rose one after the other and attempted a mild blockade of the clause, Mr. H. G. Ell being noticeably persistent in his objection. The Prime Minister, who was in charge of the Bill, sat back in his seat and listened to the views expressed until it became necessary, if the debate was not to last until sunrise, for him to make an explanation. The clause, he said, was inserted at the request of members on the other 6ide of the House, and would! not do the slightest good to members on his side. " This is not what I have a right to expect," observed Mr. Massey, "and I do want to keep my word." The Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald also tried to pour oil on the troubled waters. The member (referring to Mr. Ell) was not justified in making the statements he had. Mr. Payne (in a decided tone) : Oh, yes he was. Mr. Mac Donal d: "I speak as little as I can in this House, but 1^ think the honourable gentleman is not fair in making these remarks. I have never imputed dishonest motives to any member The clause affects Mr. •Seddon's district, and I have no^feeling in -the matter at all.. I think a great many things that have been said should not have been said." He urged members to let the clause pass. Mr. G. J. Anderson : I appeal to the members who are opposing it to let it go through. / The coast will never be improved until it has freehold land.' The opponents of the clause persisted in a division, but were defeated by 7 votes to 32. Another clause providing for the holders of small grazing runs of Crown lands to acquire the freehold of the whole area comprised"- in their leases was not so fortunate, ,and will not ,figure on the Statute Book.