THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9940, 11 December 1900, Page 8

THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

His Visit to Waipawa. [OWN GQBBEBFONDENT.] A public meeting >was held in the Library yesterday afternoon to make arrangements'for 'receiving the Hon. T. Y. Duncan, Minister for Lands, on his arrival in Waipawa. There was a good representative-gathering, Mr J. Williams, chairman at the Town Board, being in the chair. The chairman explained that they had met to consider the form cf entertainment to be .given to the Minister for Lands, who was expected in Waipawa this week. 'It !had been-suggested that he should be met formally on his arrival, and after he had inspected the properties in the district, be entertained in the evening. A letter was read from the Hon. W. C. Smith saying that Mr Duncan had arranged to be in Waipukurauon Mouday, and that he would' Wire when he left that place for Waipawa.—The Rev. Father O'Shea wrote expressing regret at his inability to be present at the meeting, but signifying his approval of some move being made to get the land cut up, and expressing his willingness to contribute in a monetary way, if necessary. Mr A.E. Jull -said : that he did not know t<faat the Minister f r Lands was coming with any intention of inspecting an v property in the district. It was for the Waipawa people to bring before him the desirability of doing so. They had done co by petition, but it seemed to take a long time to reach the department. If a deputation were to meet the Hon. Mr. Duncan on his arrival, they could express what was the particular wish of this locality, and request that he should itake time to inspect the different properties. They could arrange for the townspeople to meet him and entertain him, and they might then be able to ascertain his views. (Applause). Eβ had heard that Mr Duncan was afraid he might be asked to speak, and wan ur. willing to do so. There was a possibility . that he might *not wishto be entertained, but he would be an exception to all the other members of the Liberal Government if he did not take.all he could get. (Laughter.} The members of the Government did not often visit us in an official capacity, and it would only be an act of courtesy to do something in the way of entertaining them when they did. Mr W. H. Bennett thought it would be advisable to ge*t a distinct promise from Mr Juncan that something should be done. Other Ministers had made promises, but we wanted eomeone who would act, as it was time something was done. Mr Williams said they needed to bring home to the Minister that it was not only the shopkeepers who desired this ; it must be made plain to him that the demand was universal throughout the district. Mr Bennett said the Government asked why owners did not offer their land, yet when they got it offered, at lese thau its value, they refused to take it. Mr Jull moved that a deputation of eeven be appointed to meet the Minister for Lands, and urge upon him the need for the acquisition of some property in this district. On the motion b°iug seconded, the following committee was chosen :— Messrs Bennett, A. E. Jone«, Harker, A. E. Jull, Whittington, McKay, and Williams. Mr Symons's offer of horses and conveyance, for the purpose of driving Mr Duncan to inspect the different properties, was accepted with thanks. Mr Abrahams proposed that the committee be empowered to make what arrangements they thought best regarding a social, supper, etc.—Carried. Mr Brunton asked if ladies could attend, and it was decided that the presence of ladies would be welcome.