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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 44

Introduction

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Introduction.

At the request of a large number of friends, and with a firm conviction in my own mind that a radical change is much wanted in our Land Laws in order to save the country from retrogression, I venture to submit the following suggestions to the public, feeling at the same time very diffident as to my ability to deal fitly with so difficult a subject, and to present my views in a fairly readable form. I trust, however, that at least I may be understood, and that my efforts may be the means of arousing in the minds of the people a determination to insist on their Representatives in Parliament passing such measures as will effect the necessary change and tend to the benefit of the greatest number.

It is said, that should large properties be broken up, capital will be drawn out of the country, but we have little to fear on that score-Capital will always find investment and perhaps nowhere more certainly and safely than in Now Zealand.

The wealthy runholder cannot do better than lend to his manager and shepherds who have been mainly instrumental in making his wealth, and who are sure to be among the successful applicants for "Pastoral Crown Farms." If the runholder has not made his "pile," he has himself to blame. Circumstances have favored the class to which he belongs more than any other in New Zealand. Of course, however, he had a perfect right to his privileges, and still has a right to their enjoyment till his lease expires, when it must be evident to himself that a change is unavoidable. That to increase the population, "Homes for the People" are necessary, and for that purpose the State must throw open its vast territory of rich Pastoral and Agricultural lands.

Geo. Oliver,

Oamaru.