The Marlborough Express. PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1905. THE LAND COMMISSION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 136, 9 June 1905, Page 2

The Marlborough Express. PUBLISHED EVERT EVENING. FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1905. THE LAND COMMISSION.

Thi Land Commission is one of those unfortunate and much abased institutions which cannot please anyone. First of all it caused displeasure because it was too scrupulous in investigation and too slow of movement. Then it was blamed because it scamped its work. Subsequently, to ensure thoroughness with expedition, it was split into two sections, and one party has been flitting about the back-blocks of Auckland while another has been scouring the purlieus of Taranaki and Wellington. That arranges ent« too, has created dissatisfaction; for some critics want to know why the Commission should do things by halves, and others are grumbling because even with the division of forces several important places on the original itinerary—such as Wanganui and Waimate Plains—are being omitted. It may be accepted as an axiom that whatever the Commission dcen is wrong. If it hurries along to save expense, and with the objeofc of preparing its report in time for the nexto session of Parliament, its findings will not be representative; if it endeavors to take evidence everywhere it subjects itselffto charges of extravagance and dawdling. Even the Premier seems to be looking at his creation askance, for he expressed some apprehension the other day as to the report strengthening the hands of the Parliamentary freeholders. Whether in the end the report will be accepted as a mandate from the people so far as the continuance of the leasein perpetuity is concerned has not yet been indicated; but there is no denying" the fact that the advocates of the freehold have been making their presence* felt before the [Commission. An incident which occurred at .Feeding this week suggests that public diaomssion on this subject may reach an acute stage in the near future. It ap« pears that the Chairman wished to close the sitting at an early hour, but many of those present resented this action. As several settlers approached the table to argue the point, Mr Wheeler (mounted on a chair) requested permission to have a vote of those present taken on the question of freehold as againstt leasehold for entry on the official minutes, but Mr MoKerrow intimated that he did not think it was necessary. "Take it yourself," ordered a voice in the midst of a clamouring body of settlers, numbers of whom followed the example of Mr Wheeler, and mounted chairs and forms. Almost immediately a forest of hands went up amidst loud cries of " The freehold for ever!" " The freehold for the British Empire!" and " It's unanimous." With this disorderly farewell, the Commission leiit Palmerston. When the Commission reaches Marlborough it will be recognisable by its worried look.