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Observer, Volume 2, Issue 34, 7 May 1881, Page 364

Of all wealth land is the most lasting and from this point of vieAV nothing is more important than to take care that the laws shall not he made so as to interfere in any way with

the natural distribution of the land among all classes of the community. We have seen huge estates accumulated in few hands and Aye know j that if the law is so framed and so administered that these estates can be tied up from | distribution and sale, the families that possess them must become the ruling class of the Colony. It is the most important subject to which public attention can be turned. In dealing Avith it, prevention will be easy hutcure almost impossible. Experience has shown in NeAV Zealand that wo cannot prevent accumulation here ancl the experience of other colonies and countries proves the same. But Avhile leaving every man to accumulate as he may, Aye may justly refuse to frame laAys that will in any \vay assist him to deal Avith the land, after his death, in such a Avay as to fetter the free action of a succeeding generation with regard to it. If timely action had been taken, Sir Cracroft Wilson Avould not have been able to tie up his great estates in Ne.v Zealand, nor if timely action had been taken in Victoria Avould the late Mr. Clark have been able to tie up his enormous estates there. Tlie example once set will be contagious and the practice Avill spread like a deadly disease over the country in which it is allowed to take root.