THE LAND QUESTION

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1675, 6 April 1904, Page 64

THE LAND QUESTION

Special to the “Mail.”

PALMERSTONi, Tuesday. Writing to the Premier regarding the freehold question, mr J. G. Wilson, colonial president of the Farmers’ Union says: —“ In your speech at Lawrence on March 10th, you are reported to have said ‘ he issued a note of -warning o those aiding and abetting those recommending the abolition of the leasehold.’ I am directed to state that if in the above aiders and 1 abettors you included the members of the Farmers' Union, you must have been misinformed. The platform of the union shows we desire that he terms of the Land Act be strictly adhered to on every occasion where land is thrown open for selection; so that applicants shall have at all times the option of taking up land] under the form of tenure that at the time suits their circumstances —either for cash (with improvement clauses), or occupation lease with right to purchase, or lease in perpetuity. The union also urges that all Crown tenants having

completed the neeessaiy improvements and fulfilled the residential conditions should be permitted to convert their holdings into freehold, whenever their* circumstances permitted them to do so, provided that in no case should the holdings exceed in area the -limitations prescribed by the Land Aot. The union. i.s also of opinion that when, owing to goo 1 returns, the settler finds himself in a position to pay off a portion of the purchase money, ho should be allowed to do so. and 1 thereby benefit by the consequent reduction of rent thereafter, a matter of advantage should a bad season occur. ’

ASHBURTON, March 25. Mr George Laurenson and Mr T. E. Taylor, M.H.R.’s, addressed a crowded meeting to-night on the land question and the incidence of taxation. This is the second meeting of a series to be held in connection with their campaign on the land question. The following resolution was passed: —After having heard the speeches of Mr Taylor and Mr Laurenson, this meeting of electors, in tho centre of the largest farming district in New Zealand, is -of opinion that the Government of the colony should cease selling any more of the freehold of the Crown estate, or issuing any more 899 years' leases without a l'evaluation clause, and it is further of opinion that there should be an increase in the land tax on large estates.