THE LAND BILL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14684, 18 November 1909, Page 7

THE LAND BILL

PROSPECT OF LIVELY DEBATE.

(Fkom Ouit Own Comiestondekt.)

WELLINGTON, November 17. Ihe prospect of the Land Bill passing this session, or, at all events, bofore Christmas, are exceedingly remote. There are in all 26 leaseholders in the House— 21 on the Government side, two on the Opposition side, and three Independents. Some members of this party have intimated their intention of fighting'tie bill clause by clause, and it is understood that, in all, about a dozen members will be prepared to Stonewall the bill at great length. Some of them aro also already talking of a campaign in the country, Apparently there is not going to he a final settlement of the la id question in New Zealand for some time to come. 'Die Opposition naturally will fight to get the restrictions placed upon the acquisition of the freehold by the Government very considerably modified. In the face of these facts it is evident that the Government has set itself a big task in getting another Land Bill through Parliament this session. It must not be forgotten, also, that the bill will, bo very fully considered, by the Lands Committee before the House itself beginto dissect it.