LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wanganui Chronicle, 15 August 1901, Page 2

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, August 14.

The Council met at 2.30,

The Petitions Committee reported it had no recommendation to make on the petitions for the repeal of the CD. Act, for p^biscite on Bible reading in schools, and ;••*;» insfc the proposed amendments in the licensing laws, such matters being questions of public policy. His Exaellency the Governor notified the vacancy of Sir John McKenzie's seat. The Woodville County Bill was read a third time and passed. The Invereargill Reserve Leasing Bill was read a second time on tae voices. - On the motion to commit the Land for Settlements Bill, — : Mr. Bowen objected to the clause directed against the evasion of the compulsory clauses of the Act, the effect of which clause would be, he said, to put a man's property at . the mercy of an individual Minister. -,•■-.'■ ■'" Mr. Jones held that with regard to the compulsory acquisition, the end justified the means. Mr. Kelly supported the Bill. Mi1. Lee-Smith said the deletion of the compulsory clause would emasculate the system. ' Mr. Pitt pointed out that, not much land had been oompulsorily taken. Parliament had affirmed the principle of the Act long ago. .. ... •:. Mr. Twomey supported the Bill. Mr. Bolt pointed out the difficulty that would arise in the operation of the compulsory acquirement if taking of such areas had to be fought in Parliament. The Minister, in reply, said that wiui one exception every speaker had admitted the success of the Government policy of land settlement and .the fairness of its administration. There was no danger of abuse arising through Ministerial- power; to acquire land, «s the Minister would not act without consulting his colleagues, and plenty of checks were provided. The Bill was then, committed, and. all the amendments recommended by the Waste Lands Committee were adopted on the voices, and the Bill as amended was reported. ' . With jrtigard ito tlie anti-speculation clause prohibiting the transfer of lease for five years, Mr. Pitt objected that it would also prevent lessees from mortgaging:the land or raising money on it for that period. The Minister replied that such cases were, foe thought, covered by the proviso, but he .would note the objection, and mention it to his colleagues. • -r The Council rose at 4.5 p.m.