Nationalisation of the Land.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4545, 17 November 1882, Page 3

Nationalisation of the Land.

Anglo-Australian writes: — The decided movement in New Zealand of a nationalisation of the land, in tho guise of a well- considered Bill, based on the principle that the Stato ahould not relinquish the freehold, has gathered fresh momentum, I notice, and it ia certainly watched on this aide with great interest. Some think alienation of the Crown lands has been carried much too far in Bomo members of the group, and it ia well to pause in time, befora blunders are oommitted that are neoeßsarily irrevocable. I think for my own part that the State ought to pause and retain for the present all freehold rights, and simply dispose of land for a definite period, and, while aecuring thua a fair profit to tho State, the holders under Govornment might, and ahould, onjoy advantages unknown here. In referenoe to thia Mr Henry Goorgo recently issued a rather remarkable contribution to political economy on a social and humane baais, entitled " Progreaa and Poverty," which had the honour of being reviewed in tho Times, and the present Now Zoaland land movement is quito on the lines of his argument. The retention by the State of the land as freehold is no doubt theoretically a good idea, and practically it would, of course, prevent individuals becoming mere land monopolists. Probably the Government ia the beat landlord ia the long run, and it is really to thia that the whole matter resolves itself. By granting equitable leaseß, and aiiowing fairly for improvements, the Government would place its tenants in a very advantageous position, and the capital of the latter, instead of being looked up in the soil, oould be employed in many other waya. Thero are eeveral details yet to be worked out, and even that ardent Jand reformer, Sir Goorge Grey, haa criticised the scheme. It ia very obvioua that the provinoial population of thie country, outside the golden cirole of the hereditary landowner, would rejoico to have a tithe of the excellent things legislatively preparing for the good folks of the Britain of the South. At Home the land ia likely to become a very burning question before long. British farmers, naturally, do not regard matters pastoral and agricultural exactly from a oolonial view point, and they know well the true significance of the constant extension of. the wheat-growing area in Australia, and the laying down of freßh lands under grass in New Zealand.