GOVERNMENT AND THE LAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2576, 10 August 1909, Page 4

GOVERNMENT AND THE LAND.

SPECIAL* SETTLEMENT BILL,

SUPPORTED BY MR MASSEY

The statement in regard to the vernment’s Special Settlement I-inancJ mil made by the Attorney-General (Dl H'indlay) at Christchurch wass referred? to the Leader of the Opposition (Mr YV F Massey) by a NZealand Herald” representative last week. Mr Massey stated that, as already pointed out, the Bill was not a new one, t having been introduced and circulated durum last year’s session. 'ln speaking tlicn with regard to the proposal, Coffered to support it, said Mr Vlassey, “if the Government would proceed with the measure. I said that "Where anything is proposed which nill tend to the successful settlement ot the country, which will assist and encourage the settlers of the country then such proposal will have the hearty assistance and loyal support of every man on this.side of the House.” But the Government did not proceed with the Bill- it was numbered with the slaughtered innocents at the end of the session, and I could come to no other conclusion than that it was simply introduced for electioneering purposes. I repeat my offer of 1908 and art: them to put the Bill through during the coming session. , "Dr Findlay seemed to think, or, at all events, desired to leave the impression, that the Danish system of settlement was socialistic,” sanl Mr Massey. “It is nothing of the sort, he added, “because it encourages individualism and individual ow-nership m every possible way. It is distinctly individualistic, and encourages trochoid just as the New Zealand system is socialistic, because it tends to State ownership, and, in most cases denies the freehold to the settler. Dr Findlay says that Mr Massey and some of his friends have a haunting fear of socialism! Fear is scarcely the word. I think socialism is a mistake —that is, I believe that any State which _ nationalises land and nationalises industry will come to. grief. I do not believe that State ownership in one country can compete with private enterprise in another. I can respect an honest socialist however I may differ from him, but I cannot possibly have any respect for men who are one day socialists and the next day individualists, just as it appears to suit their purposes.”