THE PREMIER'S LAND PROPOSALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 4

THE PREMIER'S LAND PROPOSALS.

EVASION OF RESPONSIBILITY.

OPPOSITION AMENDMENT.

FREEHOLD BILL ASKED FOR.

[BY TJELEGEAI'H.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, Friday. A caucus of the Opposition party was held to-day, for the purpose of considering the attitude to be assumed in regard to 'the land question. There was a full attendance, including Air. Alison, who on this occasion attended a caucus of the party for the first time. • Mr. Alison, whilst maintaining his position as an illdependent, explains that he attended the caucus by reason of his strong sympathies as a freeholder with the policy of the Opposition on the land question. .No information is available as to the deliberations, beyond the amendment to the Premier's land proposals of which the Leader of the Opposition gave notice later, in the day. The amendment, which will give the House a definite issue to vole on is as follows: —

"The failure of the Government to formulate ft land policy, even with the report, of the Land Commission to assist them is an evasion of constitutional responsibility. This House, therefore, urges that Ministers should, without delay,' bring down a Bill embodying their land policy, • which Bill should include special provi- . sion for extending to Crown tenants hold- - ing land under lease in perpetuity the - right to acquire the freehold, but' with sufficient safeguards to prevent the aggre- • gation of large estates, and should also encourage settlement by providing better conditions and more secure tenure for all. settlers upon the lands of the Crown."