SPEECH BY THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIII, Issue 32, 7 February 1907, Page 5

SPEECH BY THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

MEETfNG AT PATEA. [BT TILBORAPH.— PEES3 ASSOCIATION. 1 PATEA, 6th February. The Minister for Lands hi»s been on a visit to this district in connection with departmental matters. He inspected th,e Momohaki Experimental I' arm, which he found in good order. To-night Mr. McNab ' addressed a crowded audience on the Land Bill. The Minister was received with loud applause. He referred to the difficulties tho Ward Ministry had to face in connection with the land problem, and traced tho history of the questioa prior to his advent to ofiioe, laying special stress to the late John McKenzio's proposals to meet the growing demand for land on the part of -.ho people He dealt exhaustively with the proposals of the Bill on the same lines as in his previous speeches, contending that if the proposals of the Bill were not given effect to existing evils would not be overcome. At the conclusion of the address Mr. Pearso moved : — "That while this meeting appreciates Mr. McNab's address it is opposed to any Land Bill which does not give tho country 'settler the benefit of tho freehold." W. Wilson seconded. Mr. H. Deane moved an amendment: "That this meeting accords Mr. McNab a hearty vote of thanks and npproves tho genera] principle of limitation of large holdings, and thinks that provision should be made by way of endowments for education, charitable uid, and old-age pensions." Tho amendment was carried by a largo majority. The Minister was frequently applauded during his speech.