THE LAND COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12819, 20 March 1905, Page 5

THE LAND COMMISSION.

FURTHER OPINIONS FROM

SETTLERS.

THE DESIRE FOR THE FREEHOLD.

[BY TELEGRAM!.—OWX CORRESPONDENT.]

Dukedik, Saturday. Tine Land Commission sat at Waipiata this morning.

Robert Logan said he had a small grazing run of 5000 acres and 1500 acres on the pastoral deferred payment system. ' He preferred the small grazing run, but had no objection to the lease in perpetuity. He had never been harassed by the Land Board, and be thought the present constitution of the Board was satisfactory. The carrying capacity of his land was about 4000 sheep to 10,000 acres, with winter feed. In reply to questions, witness said that some of the surrounding runs were suitable for cutting up into smaller areas, and there were people ready to take them up. His average clip of wool this year was about 71b. The cutting up of runs in tho district in the past had been satisfactory, and the settlers were satisfied as far as he knew. Land had increased in value in the district to the extent probably of £1 per acre all over the plains during the last ten years. He thought the 30 years' lease with revaluation at the end of that, term would be satisfactory to the people and to the Stale. He did not think the lease in perpetuity was a good tenure, as under it a man was practically given a freehold on the original valuation. It. was certainly good for the tenant. JHe thought the present system of classification was wrong. Much of the laud classified as first-class was not first-class. Classification ought to be on the basis of value and not of area. There should be no discrimination between persons holding land. A married woman ought to be allowed to .hold land in the same way as a single woman. Tho daughter of a man holding 200,000 acres could take up a small grazing run, but the wife of a farmer holding 200 acres could not. When runs were resumed it was unfair that there should not bo & Government grant for reading, and the lessee of pastoral country should have the pre-emption of small grazing runs adjoining his homestead, or as near as possible, subject to the approval of the land board.

Robert W. Glendetming, president of the Maniototo branch of the Farmers' Union, expressed the opinion that the land board members should represent stated districts. He liked the leasehold tenure, and did not want the freehold. He thought, however, that the freehold should be optional, especially in ►small holdings. He would examine an applicant, for only as to his capital, but as to his experience. It would! be good both for the settlers and the State. He would give an option on lands for settlement purposes.

Mr. Howe, farmer, said he would be willing to divide the unearned! increment with the Government if they would l grant him the right of purchase. All tenures up to 2000 acres should carry the right of purchase after the conditions had been complied with. He had had 25 years' experience of leasehold, and had always wanted' the freehold.

Charles James Inder, farmer, gave similar evidence.

Robert Scott, sheep farmer, said the lease in perpetuity tenure was promoting the settlement of the country, but for himself he would like to have the option of the freehold.

Robert MeSkimming (farmer), Arthur William Roberts (in charge of the Government plantation at Ranfurly), A, G. Mathews (sheep farmer), gave unimportant evidence.

The Commission arrived in Dunedin in the evening.