History of Australia from Pre-Historic Times to the Federal Convention of 1897, Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 Excerpt: ...any leases. He opposed them while he could do so. when he yielded on the question of pre-emption of limited areas he declined the "responsibility of recommending the measure," and retained his objection to leases "of any duration longer than a year." If he deserved blame, it was because by the mode of dealing with an interest on which all colonists depended he banded the whole community in its favour, and demands were made in the colony, and sanctioned by Earl Grey, which were opposed to the advice of Gipps, and were unjustly described as made on his recommendation. (Vide in Parliamentary Papers, vol. xxix., 1846, Sir G. Gipps' memorandum laid before his Executive Council.) It is true that, in 1846, Sir G. Gipps thought leases "must be conceded." In like manner Lord Stanley (Aug. 1845) wrote: "Assuming that leases are to be conceded, I would be glad of any suggestions you can offer to diminish the risk attendant upon the concession of them." (Despatch to Gipps.) In Mr. Hope's bill the maximum lease permissible was to be for seven years. Earl Groy expanded the term to fourteen years. (9 and 10 Vict. cap. 104, 1S46; and Orders in Council, 9th March, 1847.) of lease." A right of pre-emption " was to be given to the holders, subject to arbitration respecting value." Her Majesty would be empowered to make regulations under the Act. Lord Brougham "objected to giving the power to the Crown of legislating all the year round," but the bill passed through the House of Lords. In the Commons, Mr. Hume proposed to extend the leases to twenty-one years, but Mr. Hawes would not consent. Mr. Francis Scott, as agent for New South Wales, supported Hume, but accepted the bill; and declared that no previous gover...