GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15892, 11 October 1913, Page 10

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(Abridged from Press Association Telegram.)' 1 WELLINGTON, October 10. The Legislative Council met at 2.30 P ' m ' THE NEW HEBRIDES. In reply to the Hon. Mr Jenkmson, the Hod. Mr BELL said that he would lay on the table of the Council any despatches that, may have been tabled in the House of Commons relative to the dual control of the New Hebrides during the years 1906-7, but confidential despatches could not be tabled. LAND TRANSFER AMENDMENT. The Council went into committee on the Land Transfer Amendment Bill) which was reported with formal amendments, read a third time, and passed. LOCAL ELECTIONS BILL. The Local Elections and Polls Amendment Bill was further considered in committee, reported with amendments, and will be read a third time on Tuesday. The Council adjourned at 3 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

After the telegraph office closed at 2 o'clock the House continued discussion on the Land Bill. Clause 10 created considerable discussion, Sir Joseph Ward contending that though it tended to meet special cases it had general application, with the result that in the case of almost every new settlement tenants would demand a. reduction of rent, which reduction must be permanent, because no power was taken to restore the original rent if the settlement afterwards proved a success. After considerable discussion Mr Massey agreed to withdraw lands for settlement lands from the operation of the clause and make it apply only to settlements on Crown lands. He proposed to introduce a new clause to meet the case of settlement lands. Clause 13 passed, and progress, was .reported. The House rose at 3.20 a.m.

The House resumed at 7.30 p.m

THE LAND BILL.

Consideration of the Land Bill in committee was continued on clause 18, providing that a land board may dispense with personal residence on the land.

Mr .RUSSELL contended that the clause would promote a system of dummyism. There were hundreds of farm labourers who had £100 or £200, and who desired to get on the land and farm it. The clause would allow men in the towns earning £200 to £300 a year to secure a section, and after putting on a manager sell out without ever having put a foot on the section.

Mr E. NEWMAN argued that Mr Russel assumed that men who would a ; vail themselves of the clause were single men, whereas it would be found that thrifty tradespeople and artisans, would be the people who would benefit bv putting their, sons on land. His only'objection to the clause' was • that he considered the provision specifying double improvement wa3 too severe. ■

The. PRIME MINISTER accepted an amendment proposed by Mr M'CalJum providing that where the income of a man and his wife. exceeded £300 a year the clause of the Bill to exempt from residence shall not apply. _ Mr MACDONALD held that the inclusion of clause 18 in the Bill would be a dangerous course to adopt.. Mr POLAND also objected to the clause. He contended that the Minister, after hearing the adverse criticism of members, should withdraw it. If it were allowed to pass it would mean an increase of dummyism. The PRIME MINISTER explained that in most cases the substitute would be the lessee's son. He implored .the House to vote on the question and be done with it, ' Mr ANDERSON moved an amendment giving preference to a man who intended to reside on the land. The PRIME MINISTER said the effect of this would be to kill, the clausc. He could not accept it.Ihe House divided on the amendment, which was defeated ty 33 votes to 27. At 11.30 a division was taken on clause 18, and resulted in its being retained by 33 votes to 28. A Jong discussion ensued on the clause providing that hcensees of areas in the Hauraki mining district might acquire the fee simple of the land, the main objection beihg the threatened interference with miners' right. The House was left sitting.