POLITICAL GOSSIP.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 14342, 21 October 1910, Page 2

POLITICAL GOSSIP.

THE LAND BATTLE. LEASEHOLDERS PREPARING AMMUNITION. (By Our Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 20. It is whispered in some quarters in the Parliament Buildings that the Government will make a Bold ..attempt to get the Land Bill passed this 1 session. Another whisper is that the leaseholders have conspired to block the Bill. The leaseholders, however, deny that there is any truth in this second rumour. They have not met, they have not conferred, and no concerted plan of action has been adopted so far, but : as individuals the leaseholders are professing an eagerness to light for their principles to the last. The amendments which Mr. W’itty moved for , the leasehold cause when the Bill was , before the Lands Committee will bo again proposed when the Bill is under firO in the House; “If the Ministerial whip ,is cracked?” was one query put to a pugnacious leaseholder to-day. He replied with a grim smile that the leaseholders were m no dread of the 'whip. It could be cracked to further orders'; they would not flinch. Last year the land battle was fought in One round. Tho Opposition sat back comfortable and left the killing to the leaseholders. This year the battle will be in two rounds. The leaseholders will have to open the attack, for the L.I.P. matter comes in the first section. The Opposition’s turn will occur on the second part, which contains tho provisions for compulsory leasing. COLONEL DAVIES’ APPOINTMENT. The Minister of Defence (Sir Joseph Ward) in the House of Representatives this afternoon presented papers relating to the appointment of Colonel Davies to the command of a brigade, at Aidershot. The letter of the High Commissioner showed that the appointment! is one for four years only. Colonel Davies made application that ho should bo allowed to continue his payments to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, just as Colonel Godley, would; continue his payments to the Army Pension Fund during his,stay in New Zealand as commandant. Mr. James Allen said it was gratifying to know that Colonel Davies’ appointment, in the eyes of Now Zealanders, was only a temporary one; and that his services would not be lost to Now Zealand; He would like to .know whether the Government proposed ,to., accede to the request,.,of Colonel Davies to bo allowed to remain on the Superannuation Fund. Sir Joseph Ward said the matter had not yet been considered by Cabinet, slid he could not give am offhand answer. He was not prepared to, sajr that, New Zealand, could keep open high-salaried positions for any officer for a period of four-yearrs, nor was hejprepared to say that Colonel Davies'would be selected to fill Colonel Godley’s position when he retired. In this country there had been an outcry from the North Capo to the Bluff against a colonial officer holding the position of Commandant of the Forces. Tho position, ns far ah he know, and the request made were unique. When a dccisior on tho matter had been arrived it hi would inform the House; : :