THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2678, 7 December 1909, Page 5

THE LAND BILL.

THE GOVERNMENT IN A DILEMMA.

(Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON. Dec. 6. It is many years since the political situation has been so complex as it is at the present moment, and no one knows Avhat a- day may bring forth. The land policy of the Government, or, as some members say, the absence of a land policy, is the cause of the trouble. The Government cannot rely upon ns OAvn folloAvers as heretofore for support on every policy proposal, and there is manifested a greater spirit of independence upon the part of Ministerial followers in various directions, but more especially so in the matter of the I reposed land legislation. In this matter the Government is in a dilemma. it is pledged to settle the question this session, and there appears isttle Inspect of the pledge being fulfilled. The freehold sop to Cerberus has not altogether satisfied Cerberus, but it has dissatisfied a considerable section of the Government supporters, and the latter are strong enough and determined enough to keep Parliament months in session (by using the forms of the House) unless the Land Laws Amendment Bill is either dropped or some compromise arrived at. From all I can. gather in conA-ersation Avith others it does not seem possible that any compromise can relieve the situation, and. it Avould appear as if the controversy must go on like Tennyson’s “Brook” or the Government hang up its Bill. For three consecutive sitting afternoons, there has been a fierce debate over the report of the Lands Committee to which the Bill Avas referred, and until that question is disposed of, the Bill itself cannot bo brought formally before the House. In accordance with the Standing Orders, reports from committees can only be discussed up to 5.30 p.m., after Avhich ordinary business comes on, and it is easily possible to keep the present discussion going for several afternoons yet, as each member can speak for half an hour. So far the Go\’ernment has had to listen; to some very plain talk on its vacillation in the matter of its land policy from its own adherents, as well as from the Opposition. To-day Mr. Wright, the Wellington South Independent member, originally with a predisposition in faA-or of the • Ministry, was very scathing in his denunciation of the Goverament land policy, which he described as “The negation of democracy, of Liberalism, and of principle,” and Mr. Arnold, formerly one of the Ministry's staunchest supporters, declared that the Government apparently would have no hesitation in forcing the Land Bill through with the Opposition votes, Avhile it would regard the action of its leasehold supporters in voting Avith the Opposition at any time as the greatest political crime that could be committed. A via media is to be sought by the Premier to-morrow at a caucus of the Liberal party. My oivn opinion is that the result- of that caucus will be the dropping of the Bill ostensibly as a means of facilitating the passage of other important public business.