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Evening Star, Volume III, Issue 793, 20 November 1865, Page 2

The most exciting and important debates during the present session of the Provincial Council, we may expect to be those on the Land question, and on the Government resolutions on the relations between the General and Provincial Governments. The Government, we suppose, will draft a set of Land Resolutions for the consideration of the Council, and it is said they will be almost identical with those passed lust session, excepting that the abolishment of the tax will be proposed, and that they will include provision for the sale, at a reduced price of unsold land within old Hundreds. Whether the Government will propose any alteration of the clause relating to pastoral leases, or not, it is tolerably certain that on this question there will be a sharp discussion in the House. And, we think that considering the many discussions” which have taken place since the last session, and the opinions loudly expressed in many parts oi the Province, the Government will act foolishly if they do not endeavor to meet the strong objections which have been urged against that portion of the last resolutions which refers to the leasing of pastoral lands. We quite agree with Mr Vogel, that although the clause giving a preference to the present occupiers in the sale of the expired leases is contr ry to good policy, the fact that numerous extensive transactions have :aaci.i place on the faith of the resolutions passed by the Council, makes it almost impossible for the present Council to depart from them. But there is one condition which the Council ought to demand, viz., that they shall apply only to those ruuholders who consent to the increased rental. There is a considerable number of leases which have some time y. to run—five, six, or nine years; and to allw the lessees to enjoy the rights proposed to be conferred under the new regulations—rights which ought to be contingent on ai increased rental would be a gross act of injustice. If the holders of leases which have several years [ vet to run desire to increase the value and security of their property, it is only fair that they should incur the obligations which the holders n. expiring leases are forced to undertake. If they do not choose

to do so, let' them remain- excluded - iroiu the compeu sat ion and (.reference oondi dons. Tiie Government has, however, shown itself too timid to adopt a bold and distinct policy on the land question, and it may be that after all a dissolution of the Council will result before fresh resolutions are carried.

The proposed removal of the tax and improvement conditions is a sweeping change, but will, we trust, receive the assent of the Council. With Southland selling its land free of tax, and at a less price, it would be folly to perpetuate in this province, restrictions which, in reality, only serve to prevent the flow of capital, and to retard the settlement of the con dry. Sach men as Mr Mouat. who are continually haunted by the bugbear of " speculators,” will no doubt oppose the abolishment of the tax on the ground that a tax is needed to keep laud jobbers from swallowing up the country. Tnere can be no doubt that the tax dues keep out the speculators, but it also keeps out capitalist settlers. We know personally of two or three instances in which capitalist farmers from South Australia have been prevented purchasing large blocks of land in this province for agricultural purposes, by the tax alone. The improvement, clause, and the want of title until its conditions be fulfilled actually retard the accomplishment of the very object it was designed to promote. The small capitalist, who could he borrow money on his land, would be able rapidly to bring it all into cultivation, is compelled now to drag on slowly, exhausting his means before his land actually becomes his own. We should like to hear the opinions of the hundreds of small farmers who are now under the improvement tax. Does Mr Mouat think there is one of them that would not hail its removal with gratitude ?

The last resolution of the three tabled the other day, will also doubtless excite much discussion. With the principle of the proposition, we think few of the members will disagree; the chief point for consideration being the price at which the inferior unsold land shall be disposed of. The Bill introduced by Mr. Reynolds, and which was referred back for the opinions of the Provincial Council, fixed the lowest upset price at five shillings per acre. This is considered by some to be too low, and probably the Government will find it advisable to classify the areas proposed be dealt with, and fix the upset price accordingly. Although the greater proportion of the 600,000 acres of unsold land in old Hundreds is of an inferior description, there are portions of it better in quality or position than others. If they fix, say 10s. per acre on the w i de lot, it will simply result in the sale of the best portions, and the bulk of the land will remain on hand as at present. If the land w* re divided into two, or even three classes, at proportionate upset values, probab’y the whole ol it would be sold iu a lew years.

Thk Lodge of Instruction, E.C., will meet this evening at S o’clock, at Bastings’ Oi’iental Hotel.

On dit tliat a dinner is to be given to his Honor the Superintendent on Thursday next. The steamer Lord Ashley, for the North, is postponed until to-morrow, pending the anticipated arrival of the .English mail.

The prizes in the Sweep on the Melbourne Cup race will be paid this evening at the Empire Hotel. The principal prize ha ■ we are glad to say, fallen to the share of a man to whom the money will be exceedingly serviceable, and who is at present a patient in the Dunedin Hospital. The Provincial Grand Lodge of New Zealand, S.C., will meet this evening at the Masonic Hall.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand (including the Presbyteries of Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Nelson and Marlborough, and Canterbury) is advertised to meet in Knox Church to-morrow at two o’o.ock, when Divine service will be celebrated.

We observe that the success of Miss ''Palmer* stone’s engagement lias induced the Lessee of tlie Theatre Royal to prolong the engagement of that lady for a limited number of nights. To-night the artiste wall repeat her impersonation of “Lord Dundreary,” and several new characters are mentioned in the programme.

This is one of “ Saxby’s ” days, and well has the title been deserved. The heavy rain-clouds which overhung the town all day burst forth at about half-past two with one of the heaviest showers of rain we have had for some months.

Miss Julia Mathews and the dramatic company at the Princess Theatre made their last

appearance on Saturday evening, having arranged to visit Christchurch for a few weeks previous to Chi'istmas. The programme was what might be justly termed a “ bumper,” and the performances were tliroughout most satisfactory. The Californian Circus Troupe will appear at the theati’e on Thursday evening. The stage is undergoing a great transformation* The proscenium Jias been removed, and the floor is being converted into an arena for the equestrian performances of Foley’s troupe. The circus will extend some distance into the pit.