MINISTERS ON TOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 293, 8 December 1923, Page 5

MINISTERS ON TOUR.

■ W___KATA__ DEPUTATIONS. CLOSER SETTLEMENT. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHAKATANE, this daj--The Ministerial party arrived here last night and met the citizens at the Borough Council Chambers. Mr. r. Hockly, M.P., introduced several deputations. Mr. P. Keegan (president of the Chamber of Commerce) urged closer settlement, pointing out that the Harbour Board had spent over £100,000 i_ harbour work, the borough the same amount and the County Council a very amount on roads and oridges. Tho district wanted more production and more shoulders to carry the load. Mr. Nosworthy promised favourable consideration. He said that the rich land of the district offered splendid opportunities for subdivision. The Government was behind the policy, and would give every help possible to the movement. Some 32,000 acres would be available in the Urewera in March, and 200,000 acres, now being surveyed. would be thrown open a little later. -This land had all been roaded. The acquisition of ths White Pine and Fahau bushes was also asked for. The Minister said the Government would oajy help if the local bodies would find a substantial amount. Mr. Hockly said he was trustee for the _ Bruce bequest" for preservation of native bush. He would inspect it and if the bush were suitable he would recommend that one-third be paid by the trust. He considered local bodies and the Government might find the balance. Mr. Chalmers 'Mayor) urged a scheme for the rapid improvement of the dairy herds of the Dominion. The present production was much too low, and the majority of farmers were unable financially to procure good cows. They had to keep on with non-profitable cows, thereby defeating- the ends of the Testing Association. The Minister said I the Government would give all the help possible without interfering with private enterprise. He considered that great improvement and expansion were in store for the dairy industry. The Ministerial party wis afterwards entertained at the Whakatane Club. J he party left this morning for Opotiki via _aneatua and Kutarere.