THE LAND BILL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 12856, 30 October 1912, Page 7

THE LAND BILL.

PASSES THIRD READING

A DREARY DEBATE

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Chronicle.")

WELLINGTON, October 28

The passing of the third reading of the Land Bill was a foregone conclusion, and it was scarcely necessary to debate it at such length as was done to-night, especially as the subject had already been worn threadbare. The Opposition made a very poor effort. Mr. Isitt led off with the usual leasehold platitudes and was followed by Messrs. Russell and Sidey. The latter made what was perhaps the poorest speech in the whole debate, and the House declined to discuss tho amendment ho proposed, but went to a vote at once, with tho result that the Government got a majority of fifteen votes. Messrs. McDonald, Laurenson, Forbes, McCallum, Hanan and Hindmarsh talked on the Opposition side before 12.30, and up to that time tho only Government supporters who had spoken were Messrs. Wilkinson and Young. None of tho speeches delivered were worth tho time taken over them, and the House paid little attention to them. On ono occasion, Mr. Speaker intervened with: "There's too much loud conversation. I must ask Hon. members to resume their seats." Mr. Hindmarsh and some of the Opposition .speakers tore their old passion about tho larsro landowner to tatters once more. "Tho largo landowner is behind tho Prime Minister," has been reiterated to such an extent that the Opposition will probably soon hpjrin to Tvelicvo th<^ statement i? truo. though the whole Dominion knows that it is not. As showing tho want of interest in the de-bate, it may bo mentioned that at one ptapro of tho nroeeecllners th?ro wore only four' Oppositionist* in tho House.