PASSED THE HOUSE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3666, 30 October 1912, Page 8

PASSED THE HOUSE.

THE LAND BILL.

PREMIER IN REPLY TO

SPEECHES

THIRD READING CARRIED BY

OVERWHELMING MAJORITY

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] WELLINGTON, Oct. 29

In the House this morning, after 2 a.m., Mr Massey replied to the speeches on the third reading of the Land Bill. He did not, he said, make a fetish of limitation in the Bill, which was decided by other factors. A system of free trade in land tended towards breaking up large estates, and he instanced Waikato and Canterbury as cases in point. The process was going on all over New Zealand, and he believed that in 10 years’ time there would not be a large estate left in New Zealand. It was absurd to talk about parting with the national heritage. Whatever was done with the land the land itself was always there to be taxed. He contended, however, that the limitation of area clauses in the Bill were sufficient. The Bill would increase settlement and subdivision. He estimated that £500,000 would he available after the first year from lessees’ conversions. A great deal of misrepresentation had gone on in connection with the provisions of the Bill. He challenged the Opposition to show -one clause which would benefit the large landowner. “We have a great deal more to do in the Bill of next year,” lie added, and he went-on to say that he intended during the recess to inquire into the reason why large blocks of land are not carrying so many sheep as formerly and he expected to bo able to meet the House with satisfactory proposals next session. Mr Massey concluded his fina.speecli on the Bill amid applause from members of the Government and the third reading was carried shortly before 3 a.m. by 42 votes to 13, and the Bill passed. In the Council to-day the Land Laws Amendment Bill, introduced from the House, was /cad a first time. The second reading was taken pro forma and the Bill was referred to the Lands Committee.