GOVERNMENT'S LAND PROPOSALS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2905, 17 November 1909, Page 63

GOVERNMENT'S LAND PROPOSALS.

THE FEELING IN PARLIAMENT.

(Fbom Oon Own Coehespondbst.) WELLINGTON, November 11. The references in the Budget in regard to the Government's land proposals nave been received with varying feelings by the members of the House. The Freehold party is pleased with the v substantial concessions made to their principles in the granting of the option of the freehold in respect of the lease in perpetuity and the renewable lease. The tone of satisfaction is especially marked in regard to the application of the freehold option to the land*"for settlement lands, which looked upon as marking a great advance in the furtherance of the freehold policy since the Government, a few years ago, ".nailed its colours to the mast. 1 '

The provisions in' regard to recurring charges over a long period of years are not so acceptable, but several freeholders, on being spoken to on this subject, say that whilst the proposals are not all thaf they desire, they affirm the right of the tenants to the freehold. -This, they state., is an important gain and may be accepted as a stepping-stone towards more satisfactory conditions in connection with ibe transfer of tenure.

The refusal to extend the concessions to the national endowment lands is not viewed with satisfaction, but there is a hope that this may come later. The Leasehold "party, of course, '» pleased with the proposal to ensure to the Crown a portion of the unearned increment and with the retention of the leasehold in respect to the endowment lands, but, naturally, it did not relish the measure of victory otherwise gained by the freeholders.