THE CONSERVATIVES AND LAND FOR SETTLEMENT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVI, Issue 11122, 23 November 1896, Page 3

THE CONSERVATIVES AND LAND FOR SETTLEMENT.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —In view of the immense success and popularity of the Land for Settlements Act, passed into law by the present Go veinmem-, and so ably administered by the Hon. John M’kenzie, Mr J. C. Wason, the Conservative candidate for Selwyn, must regrethaving used such strong language when condemning the measure in 1893. Of course he little thought that three short years would suffice to prove him a false prophet, but, "alas, Mr Wasbn, you are no Ezekiel, and to-day your prophecies of 1893 remaiV not only unfulfilled hut completely disproved, la XS93 Highhank

a wilderness exclusively devoted to sheep, the only residents on the estate being a few shepherds, but what is it to-day ? From a sheep walk it has been turned into a thriving settlement, supporting a_ considerable number of families —a veritable hive of industry. And how has this been brought about ? By the Land for Settlements Act, a measure of which Mr Wason spoke thus three years ago (vide Press Oct. 12, 1893): “He spoke strongly against the Laud for Settlements Bill brought in by the Hon J. M’Kenzie, and was sorry to find there were those who could give any support to such a tyrannical measure.” “ 1 need not enlarge very much,” said Mr Wason, “ upon the gross tyranny of this proposal, and the unfair, gross jobbery and corruption that would probably take place under it.” Judging Mr Wason by his own words, we must conclude that he prefers to see the country monopolised by a few squatters than legitimately occupied by industrious farmers. His efforts to pose as a farmer’s friend are really too transparent, .and the electors of Selwyn are-not likely to entrust their representation into the hands of an apologist for monopolies.—l am, &c., HIGHBANK.