BIG LAND HOLDINGS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 36, 14 February 1929, Page 13

BIG LAND HOLDINGS

TREATMENT OF THE OBSTINATE

(By Tolenraph.) (Special to "Tho Evening Post.")

PALMEKSTON N., This Day

During the course of a deputation to the Minister of Lands at Duunevirko yesterday, a member asked if it was not possible to enforce the compulsory clauses of the Land Settlement Act where property owners were. obstinato in the matter of price and held too much land.

The Minister (Mr. Forbes) replied that the Government was not going to allow the country to be held up because an individual wanted to hold more laud than ho was entitled to in a district where closer settlement was required. However, one wanted to avoid harsh measures. He did not want to disturb any man, but when it came to a question of prosperity or retardation, then something would be done. If voluntary means failed, tho Government would have to take compulsory measures. .'

'.'lf the Government wuittr'foi 1. farmers to come forward with .offers .nothing will eventuate," remarked auotiier. member ot tho deputation wlio also thought that the Government should take-a-firm aland and let it bo known that they • were determined to cut up large estates.

Tho Minister: "If we come up against a barrier and can't get on. with, nettleriicut, we 'will liavo to deal with the position in another way, and the Government won't scruple about doing it. The position is now very serious. The country cannot remain held up by people who have already got land and won't let others get on." "We want those who have'land to show a little public spirit," concluded the Minister. ".If they are going to show a grasping spirit that is unreasonable, the Government as representatives of the people, will take a different .view of- the position." -^ '• -' ■ . ■