THE OPPOSITION'S ATTITUDE

Otago Witness, Issue 2685, 30 August 1905, Page 34

THE OPPOSITION'S ATTITUDE

amend:xient by mr massey. (Feoji Oub Own Coreesfondent.) WELLINGTON, August 25. A caucus of the Opposition party \vas held to-day for the purpose of considering the attitude to be assximed in regard to the land question. There was a full attendance, including Mr Alison, who on this occasion attended a caucus of the party for the first time. Mi Alison, whilst maintaining his position a* an Independent, explains that heattended 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 Mr Massey gave notice later iv. the day. The amendment, which will give the House a definite issue to vote on, is as follows: — " The failure of tho Government to formulate a land policy, even with the report of the Land Commission to assist it, is an evasion of constitutional responsibility. This House, therefore, urges that Ministers fehould, without delay, bring down a bill embodying their land policy, which bill should include special provision for extending to Crown tenants holding land under leAfciL-inopejrjjetuilv the riaul to acquire the

freehold, buL with sufficient i.afe-uards t<6 prevent the aggregation of lai«e -c-tates, and should also encourage settlement by piovidmg better conditions and moie secure tenure for all settlors upon the lands of the Crown." Mr Taylor gave notice that when the House went into Committee to consider the Premier's notice of motion ho would mo\e the following addition: — "That this House is of opinion that no legislation affecting the lands of the colony will be satisfactory that does not provide for the cessation of the sale of Crown lands, and is also of opinion that the remnant of the publio estate should to created into a national educational endowment."