LEASEHOLDERS' MEETING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 9162, Issue 9162, 11 March 1910, Page 8

LEASEHOLDERS' MEETING.

OFFICIAL REPORT. SERIES OF RESOLUTIONS. (Peb Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, March 10. The following is the official report of. the leasehold conference : — £ , . A conference of leasehold mem'jer» of. Parliament was held in tho Trades Hall to-day. It was called by tho Hon. J. Paul,' M.L.C., and Mr J. F. Arnold, M.P. The following were present: Hons.. Anstcy, Barr and Paul, M's.L.C, Sir W. Steward, Messrs T. E. Taylor, Eil, Laurenson, Davey, Witty, Hogg, Russell, Hogan, Hunan, and Forbes, M's.P. Apologies were received from the ( lions. Ricg, Jones, Luko and McGowan, M's.L.C, and Messrs Guinness (Speaker of tho House). Seddon, McLaren, Poole, Oraigie, Luke. Colvin, Sidey, Lawry and R. A. Wright. M's.P. Sir W. J. Steward was elected chairman. After full discussion of the land question in all its phases, the following resolutions were arrived at: — That this conference desires to put on record its belief that the land question, being tho most important that can cotno before Parliament for solution, should bo dealt with in accordance with the principles that have inspired tho Liberal party for the last twenty years. That it therefore protests against any proposal for selling any part of tho national endowment lands. That it also protests against the granting of the fee simple of ordinary Crown lands now under lease, or any lands purchased by the Government for land settlement purposes. That it affirms the necessity for extending- tho endowment principle to tho remaining Crown lands. That tho right of transfer of State leases bo restricted by law with a- view to stopping gambling and speculation in good-will, etc. That it affirms the principle that thero shall be no interference with existing leasehold or freehold titles, except where required for settlement or other public purposes. That this conference of members of Parliament pledges itself to make every effort to prevent legislation in opposition to theso resolutions reaching tho statute book. A committo consisting of Messrs Arnold, Hogan, Laurenson, Paul, Russell, and Witty, was appointed to interview tho Prime" Minister and place before him tho wishes of the conference.

Satisfaction was exprcsed at the attendance of members, especially those. who had travelled long distances to bo present. - A most hopeful spirit pervaded the conference, and it was made awaro of spontaneous offers of financial assistance if required, the majority of such, offers coming from sympathisers outside Parliament.