THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2222, 28 October 1907, Page 1

THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS.

A FURTHER BACKDOWN PROBABLE. SOUTHERN LANDS TO BE CUT OUT. (Special to Timos.) WELLINGTON, October 20. There are evidences that tlio Government have been further whittling away the proposed endowment lands. A rumor went round the lobbies this morning that everything has to bo cut away except the pastoral runs. This would leave the North Island practically out of the schedule. I uavo reason, however, to bolievo that tho rumor was not exactly correct, and that all that has been decided upon is to cut out practically all the South Island lands, except tho runs, Out to leave the North Island’s endowment quota as at present. This, while a considerable gain to tho Opposition, will not satisfy the North Island members, who will be-likely to demand a pro rata reduction in the quota. At the present moment it appears that leaseholders are likely to fight the Billl, but there is an ominious silence on the part of a few Government supporters who have formerly opposed it,which leads to the conclusion that they have been placated by the reduction of tho endowment areas in their districts.

Sir Joseph Ward lias been pressed to state the Government’s intentions, but refused to do so till clause two is reached. In the meantime there appears to be every prospect of an all night sitting. Later. At a late hour Mr. Rutherford quarrelled with the Chairman, who could not see the connection between the title of the Bill ond the domestic servant problem. An endeavor to to explain was suppressed firmly. “I am very grateful to members for discussing this amendment so carefully and thoroughly,” said Mr. Lang, a little later, “it shows that they appreciate the importance of whit I propose. I maintain that it is our duty to see that the people are not misled by the title of the Bill.” He elaborated this point, and the weary round of talking continued. Later. Tho discussion has been kept steadily going, and at the time of wiring (midnight) it is still proceeding with no apparent prospect of an early termination. Mr. Mander in the course of one of his speeches declared his hostility to the Bill in vigorous terms. “I do not care,” he said, repeating a remark by him on Wednesday evening, ‘‘if I stay here till Christmas, or even next Christmas; I liavo nothing to compel mo to go home, and I am very comfortable in Wellington.” Mr. Dillion grow impatient, and expressed a wish that Mr. Mander would cease talking and “give us a song.” The invitation, however, was not responded to. Mr. Rutherford proposed to read an extract from Henry George, but was ruled out of order by the ActingChairman of Committee (Mr Hornsby). Mr. Rutherford expressed his sorrow at not being allowed to read tho extract, “but Mr. Chairman,” he said, “you have ruled that I cannot do so, and I must confess that yon have got me beat.” A remark that was received with loud laughter.