LANDS DEPARTMENT.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 56, 29 November 1907, Page 7

LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE MINISTER INTERVIEWED. MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE INSPEC- . .TION. . . (BY TELEGIUriI—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) , Christohuroh, November 28. The Hon. R. Sl'Nab, Minister for Lands, arrived from 'Wellington this morning, and' left for Dunedin by tho first express. In the course of a chat with a "Press" reporter Mr. M'Nab touched upon- several Departmental items of general interest. Regarding land matters, the "Minister stated that the regulations providing"for the election of representatives of Crown tenants- oh the Land Boards of the Dominion have been drafted and approved by Cabinet and by His Excolloncy the Govornor, and should, appear in this week's "Gazette." The regulations dealing with the new method of ballot lor sections have also been drafted and approved, and are at present waiting the Governor'-s assent. Everything is in a forward condition for the inauguration of thonew law, and in the moantimej for the few weeks covering the interval before tho coming into operation of the Act, no Crown land is boing placed on the markot. Asked regarding the proposed now experimental dairy school, Mr. M'Nab stated that the linal settlement of the matter has been postponed until ho has- carried out a promise to. look at a site for it in Hawera. , . This would be done soon after his return to .Wellington. . The appointments of thirteen new inspectors havo been ratified, but all havo not yet taken up their duties. Whilst in tho south, the Minister intends going through a list of candidates for additional inspectorships. In connection with the inspection at London of New Zealand meat and of dairy produce, the Minister stated that Mr. D. Cuddie (Dairy Commissioner) is just on tho eve of leaving Wellington to take up his duties in London. It is intended that ■. a grader from tho Dominion will always be stationed in London, and inspect all cargoes , of dairy produce. Mr. Cuddio will probably be absent from the Dominion for six or seven months. After he has got tho new system in working order, another officer of the Department will be sent to London, and he will probably remain there for two ye,ars, at the end of which period another grader will replace him. Almost immediately Mr. C. J. Ileakes (Assistant Chief Veterinarian) will leave for London to initiate the veterinary inspection of Now Zealand meat shipments. A veterinary in London, who was previously an ollicor of the Department of Agriculture, will permanently represent tho Government, and do tho, work of inspection, keep in touch with the Smithfield market, and enquire on tho spot into any complaints regarding the condition in which shipments arrive. Mr. Cuddio and Mr. Reakes will probably leave lor Great Britain before the New Year.