LAND MONOPOLY

Taranaki Herald, Volume LV, Issue 13929, 12 June 1909, Page 3

LAND MONOPOLY

Mr. Massey moved to strike out the line in the Addsftss-in-Reply affirming the desirability of an. early prorogation of Parliament. The country was waiting for social and land legislation. He was anxious, like the member for Hurunui, to break up land monopoly, but the Government was the greatest land monopolist. He protested against the adjournment of the session till October. Australia and Canada were not sending their Prime Ministers to the conference. Emphasis had been laid on the necessity of the Premier being present in Parliament to explain their policy. What was their policy? They had none. At the general election the Stlicy was to retain office at any price. c criticised recent Ministerial appointments in humorous style. In connection with the construction of the Rox-burgh-Lawrence railway line, the Government had made a serious mistake.' They should have known before asking for £30,000 whether the line would pay. People were leaving the colony in hundreds every week, and 1600 left last month in excess of arrivals. M> Massey, after touching on Native land and other questions, referred to the Second Ballot Act, and asked what it had cost. The effect of the Gaming Act had been to make New Zealand a paradise for spielers. The gaining legislation was faulty, and he hoped it would be remedied. He did not intend bis amendment as a want of confidence motion, but simply as a protee^ against the postponement of the session.