THE LAND BILL.

Evening Star, Issue 14225, 26 November 1909, Page 1

THE LAND BILL.

THE -LEASEHOLDERS ORGANISE,

[3y Our Special Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, November 26. The Leaseholders held the meeting of which I wired you. The Press were not invited to be present, neither does it neem that anyone was authorised to make a statement to the papers as to what transpired. I have, however, the best authority for stating that there were eighteen present, and that five were accounted for. It was decided not to appoint a chairman or any leader at the present time. The chief speakers were Messrs Arnold, Russell, Hanan, M'Laren, and Laurenson, each of whom urged that everything possible should be done to put up a big fight when the Bill comes down from the Lands Committee. It was suggested that even if the Bill passed, those present should undertake to stump the country before the next election. This, I am told, will be done whether the Bill reaches the .Statute Book or not. The question in doubt seems to be as to whether they should take the platform at once. Some were of opinion that six or eight public meetings should be held in country districts next week, at least two being in the llangitikei electorate. It was finally decided to adjourn till Tuesday morning, when a list of suggested meetings and speakers- will be considered and other arrangements made. The Leaseholders are very determined, and it is now clear that if the Government take the Land Bill even to its second reading stage, the session cannot finish before Christmas. LEASEHOLD v. FREEHOLD. -MEETING OF THE LEASEHOLDERS. TROUBLE AHEAD. [From Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

WELLINGTON, November 25. Members of the House who are against the Freehold proposals contained in the Land Bill have already taken measures wii.h a view to making their protest effective. About a *corc of them met to-night and discusser! the subject. What they considered was the attitude they should take up in connection with the Bill when it comes from the Lands Committee. The members present expressed themselves in strong terms regarding the proposal to give the Freehold lo all Crown tenants, and more particularly to tenants of Land for Settlements lands. The opinion was also expressed that as a matter of abstract fact the Leasehold principle had been set aside by the provisions contained in the Bill, and that the conditions under which the Freehold was to be given could not be regarded as satisfactory from the Radical standpoint. It was also pointed out that the Freehold proposals in the Bill had not been before the country, and it was urged that the electors should Ire given an opportunity of thoroughly understanding the nature of those proposals. The point made by the meeting was Unit the land laws of the Dominion had been revised about two years ago by Parliament; that there was no good reason shown why they should not be given a fair trial; and that, although certain - provision was made for securing to the Crown what is known as the "unearned increment,” it was not considered that this constituted a satisfactory set off against the Freehold proposals in the Bill. Nor was it considered that they could be reconciled with the Leasehold pledges given by Radical members. It was also urged that if the Radicals gave way now in connection with what was proposed their position would certainly ho seriously weakened in the country. With a view 'to arousing public interest, and in order that the [eople may thoroughly undeistand what the meeting regarded as some of tho reactionary features of the Bill, it was suggested that meetings should he held in certain country districts whore it was felt education of the subject was necessary, so as to .-reate a sound, intelligent, and progressive public opinion on the subject. No resolutions were passed or definite conclusions arrived at, the- discussion being merely an informal one, with a view to ascertaining the views of members on the subject. The feeling was emphatic, however. that determined opposition should he shown to the Bill, with a view to making the measure more consistent with what are believed-to be the views of the LiberalProgressive section of Ihe electors of the Dominion. Another meeting is to be held to determine what steps shall be taken to give effect to the views expressed above.