THE LAND QUESTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7725, 26 March 1904, Page 3

THE LAND QUESTION.

Mr Hogg's Proposals.

Mr Hogg, M.H.8., has written to the Premier enclosing for bis consideration letters that he has received from Taranaki and the Mount Cerberus district, relating to the efforts that are being made to get the tenants of the Crown to petition for the freehold. The writers suggest various methods of dealing with this movement, one being the discontinuance of the optional tenure, and another limitation of area and taxation on the basis of the unearned increment. Mr Hogg thinks that the time has come when the land question should be tackled boldly, and he adds:—" There are several ways in which the troub'.e re tenure might be overcome. When a large property or estate is purchased, why not vest its administration in trustees elected on a universal franchise by the resident population ? The rents becoming the property of the community and the profits being used by the trustees for public works, education, etc., no demand for the freehold wouid have a of a chance. Here in Masterton, at the present moment the Land for Settlements Board is nibbling at a large property. If the management of this land could be handed over to the Masterton Trust Lands Trustees, the interest and sinking fund could be paid to the Crown, and the property would become a valuable endowment for all time. There are other areas here, and around such towns as Carterton, Greytown and Featherston, that could be similarly dealt with."