THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2071, 4 May 1907, Page 3

THE LAND BILL.

Press Association. CH RISTCHURCH, yesterday. Speaking at Darfiold last night, Mr. Cliarles Lewis,'M.H.R., said as an Opposition member he would like to see the Land Bill passed as at first presented, so that by actual experience the people would know what Liberalism in land matters meant. Ho strongly criticised the limitation clauses, not on their own account, but for their grounds and effects. The fifty thousand pounds limit would not free any land for the man of small means, because he would not be able to buy outright. Owing to the inability of the vendor to regain his land if a partially-completed .sale fell through, the fifteen thousand limit would cripple the lending powers of institutions on whose loans the success of the farming industry

practically depended. . Some other (Jlauses he did not oppose, and lie would, as a party man, pass the whole Bill, through. As a responsible man, however, he wonld oppose them. He strongly disapproved the proposal to abolish the optional tenure as the most distinct and flagrant breach of faith over perpetrated by any Government. He. condemned the endowment clauses as abject nonsense. They were inadequate to do what Mr. McNab expected. The total result of the limitation and unimproved value system would be to seriously check improvements. ELTHAM, yesterday. Mr Massey addressed a large meeting on the Land Bill last night. A resolution was carried that freehold tenure is the most suitable. AUCKLAND, yesterday. ■ Mr. C. H. Poole, addressing his constituents, said ho believed the Land Bill was brought down by Mr. McNab for the purpose of gauging Public opinion. It was an honest attempt to solve the question, and the voice of the people was being heard. He prophesied that a Pure Foods Bill would be passed next sessioh- He was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence.