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

4> - Among others Avho must be styled the Liberals of to-day Aye have no.v to rank Major Atkinson who, if Aye are to trust his speech at NeAV Plymouth, is occupying himself seriously Avith this great question. For years past the Government statistics have sho.vn how steadily but surely the accumulation of land Avas proceeding. Various speakers have publicly called attention to it both in and out of Parliament. Yet the gallant Major in this speech of his only a fortnight ago treats it as if still a matter of doubt and as if he Avere on the verge of a great discovery. Let us give his oavii Avords. "In regard to large estates I will say this : If Aye find out, as Aye shall soon be in a position to do, —for under the Property Tax Act I ani having very careful returns made up, shoAving the number of persons oAvning land, the average and the valuation of their holdings— Avhether

there is a tendency to accumulate large estates in this Colony. I say, if Aye find out that the land is passing into a feAV hands, that question certainly must be dealt with." Wonderful conversion ! Let anyone read the speeches of Major Atkinson and of Mr. Hall, garnished Avith statistics to prove that Sir George Grey's statements on this very subject were uncalled for and Avere "mob" appeals to popular passions and class jealousies, and after reading them he will form his opinion lioav far these iicav Liberal lights are to be depended upon as trustworthy and safe guides. It is a strange speech coming from one who has thus spoken in the past and Avhose one great deed as Premier of anunreformed Government, Avas the destruction of tne Local Governments of the Colony, in defiance of the emphatically expressed desire of an absolute majority of the people.