CRY FOR FREEHOLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3997, 30 July 1913, Page 6

CRY FOR FREEHOLD.

“WE VOTED FOR REFORM.” . OHAKUXE GRIEVANCE. 'fcßY TELEGRAPH —PARLIAMENTARY correspondent’; WELLINGTON, July 29. A petition signed by about fifty village settlers residing in the borough of Ohakune in regard to the tenure of their sections was presented to the House tliis afternoon by Mr R. W. 'Smith (Waimarino). The petition sets out (1) that many of the petitioners voted for the Reform party on the promise that if the Reform party was returned to power steps would be taken to give them the freehold of their sections; (2) That the late election was fought on the question of freehold versus leasehold, and ■it is asked that the necessary legislation shall he introduced without delay to give the petitioners the freehold of their holdings. The petitioners also point out that the system of leasehold is a great bar to the raising of either public or private loans, and consequently materially hinders the progress of tho town and neighborhood. When the first portion of tho petition was read out members of the Opposition indulged in some guffaws and exclamations of surprise at the terms used and frank confession of political faith. The turn of the Government party came when the concluding clause was reached. This was greeted with “hear, hears” and appreciative laughter.