IN LIGHTER VEIN.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, 2 October 1907, Page 2

IN LIGHTER VEIN.

Mr Rutherford, in speaking on the Land Bill to-night, let the House into a little family secret. Some years ago, he said, he had divided his property amongst members of his family. He did this by deed of gift, and as he had to pay £2205 in duty he contended that the Government had done very wel! out of the transaction. He had retained a mortgage over the property, but this he contended was only a mat- j ter of ordinary prudence. Subsequently Mr Hogg referred to Mr Rutherford's statements as to having made over his property to his sons 1 whereupon the member for Hurunui r interjected : — r "To ray sons, mv four daughters, and the 'old woman.""' (Laughter.) j Mr Alison also raised a laugh. In j speaking in the same debate he disclaimed in vigorous terms the position j of defender of the large land holder, j "If," he declared, in stern, defiant j terms, "anybody says that I am a friend to th? large landholder I will deny it i" si" h .-. way that he will "not t repeat it." The House laughed, but'the n challenge was not accepted.