Introductory.

The increasing importance of the Land Question, and the widespread interest with which it is regarded in this and the neighbouring colonies, has induced a number of the supporters of the views advocated by Mr. James Mirams, M.L.A., to republish in full the admirable speech recently delivered by that gentleman on the motion for the second reading of the Land Acts Amendment and Continuation Bill. This measure is now before the country, and no more opportune time could be presented for submitting the immense array of facts contained in the speech in question for the consideration of the large section of the community interested in an early and correct solution of the difficult problem raised in connection with the disposal of the Crown lands of Victoria. The speech, which is distinguished by its clearness and lucidity, contains an impartial review of the history of land legislation in this colony, and points out most unmistakably the errors and defects of the existing system. The remedy which Mr. Mirams commends for immediate adoption is one that has many strong advocates in this and the other Australasian colonies, in all of which the Land Question has, for many years, proved a fruitful source of controversy. The adoption of a system of State leasing would, at least, prevent the perpetration of fresh blunders, and avoid the perpetuation of those which have been committed in the past. Of the speech itself the Age says:—"It would be difficult to speak too highly of the valuable contribution made to the leasing question by the hon. member for Collingwood, Mr. Mirams, in a speech which exhibited some of the best qualities which distinguish him—industry, fair dealing, lucidity of statement, considerable powers of generalisation, and a keen sense of the weakness of his opponents' arguments."

The compiler of the speech is largely indebted to the admirable report which appeared in Hansard.