Mr BATHGATE supported the measure, and considered that it was only part of a scheme which gave self-government to the people of the colony, which he had always tried to assist in every way. At present, at any rate in Otago, the administration of Crown land was simply a government by rangers. The Hon Mr ROLLESTON said he should be very glad to see Waste Land Boards es tablished on a better basis than at present, but he could not see how the measure could effect any reform that was at all desirable. It would simply mean that the Boards would be elected by those very men who were so objectionable to the hon. member for Auckland City East— the holders of five votes. The members of the Board would not be at all likely to administer the law better than the nominees of the Crown, and they would, on the other hand, greatly reduce the responsibility of the Ministers of the Crown, fie believed that the existing Land Boards had given very general satis faction in the different parts of the colony. The.present system provided that members of the Boards should retire at regular intervals, and the Government was thus wisely enabled to infuse new blood, although there were pro visions for re-appointing retiring members. He, for one, did not approve of Government interference with the actions of Waste Lands Boards. There were already several measures regarding land, which had been referred to the Waste Lands Committee, and he thought that it would be as well if they read this Bill a second time, and referred it to the same Committee. Mr J. McKENZIE said that the appoint ments to the Waste Lands Board which had been made in Otago did not give satisfaction. He should give to the measure his hearty sup port. Mr De Lautour and Mr Moss also supported the Bill.
