THE LAND BILL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIC, Issue 13330, 6 July 1907, Page 6

THE LAND BILL.

(To the.Editor of the. Timaru Herald). Sir, —-Those of us who are interested in knd legislaion: are indebted to the Farmers' Union, for the visit of Mr Leadley to Pleasant Point. It is needless to say how- successfully that- veteran handled his subject, but. whether, his criticisms of the Land Bill, and his proposals for a. new one as suggested by the Farmers' Union are beneficial to Crown leaseholders and others i.s extremely doubtful. I did not question the accuracy of his statement, as to depreciation of our dominion's credit, as reported; I denied it, and referred to the price at which our last loan was raised in London, and in support of this, we have, the Premier's recent statement of our position in ths- money market. What-is it that makes the Farmers' Union take such an interest in l.i.p. holders? Why do- they so generously advocate the freehold? Why firstly, in order to obtain their co-operation in defeatjinsc the Government on ths Land Bill, .thereby frustrating the limitation clause's, and secondly, that ths transference from leasehold to freehold-will bring land on, the market again, and make it subject to taxation and possibly reaggregation. Let them rest contented in the knowledge-that we have a, much better tenure than the gaudy freehold; we pay rent on *a. 4£ per cent, basis for eternity ; if the land rises in value; from £lO to - £3O an acre in fifty years, will we have the tquivalent of £3o,;;easli for at most 10s per annum; on the other hand if land depreciates to a great extent, we can at least- take up our packs. Can the Fanners' Union, which is composed chiefly of large freeholders, and is not a fair representation of the. community of farmers, desire any thing more agreeable than this for us? If so they will have no difficulty in strengthening 'their- organisation.,', At present their, interest, in matters political, especially anything pertaining to land, and the iißv.-'sts of small freeholders and leaseholders, are entirely at variance. The Land Bill imposes no obligation on leaseholders. ; We can please ourselves whether we change the tenure or leave- it as it-is. Therefore I would urge all Crown tenants and others who wish to benefit the multitude, to support the Bill, or in being led astro'v"by the Farmers' Union, we may inquire and perhaps kill the goose which lays the golden "eggs-. I am. etc., '■,"■-■■'". FRA.XCIS ACTON.. Sutherland*, July 4th.