S. C. G. LYE AT PUKEKAWA.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 252, 24 October 1925, Page 14

S. C. G. LYE AT PUKEKAWA.

Mi , . S. C. G. Lye addressed a wellattended meeting at Pukekawa. Mr. Lye, in speaking aTiout the effect of good roads in a district, said that the Pukekawa and GJen Murray districts were an object-lesson ■to those desiring to see how good roads make a district prosperous. Iα touching on the land question, he said it was essential to get the land closely settled in New Zealand. He would be in favour, if necessary, of giving the land. to the settlers for a number of years free of interest to enable them to bring the land into a productive state. It was sound, economically, to do this in more than one way. Much 'and hi its present state is not producing anything of value; in fact, the reverse was the ease. In many places the Crown lands, unoccupied lands, and native lands .were hotbeds of noxious weeds and rabbits. This state of affairs could not be allowed to go on. If returned for Raglan he would endeavour to entice the settler to the land, and would keep him there by treating him sympathetically, and judging every case of hardship on its merits. Settlers should not be placed on the lands in the backblocks and not be given reasonable access to their sections. The land policy and roading policy must run in double harness. The need for cheap fertilisers in New Zealand was as necessary as the good roads, which allowed the settler to get the fertilisers to his land. Mr. Lye spoke on the public services and railways, stating that the railways could be made much more profitable if we made our slogan, "Safety first." (Applause.) In concluding a most interesting address, Mr. Lye stated! that if he were returned for Raglan he would be a representative and a servant of the whole of the people, and not some of the people. He was not adverse to .borrowing, providing we got service for the money, service being the essence of prosperity. On resuming his seat, Mr. Lye was heartily applauded. Numerous questions were asked, and answered satisfactorily. A very hearty vote of thanks to the speaker was carried unanimously.