"LANDOWNERS NOT CRIMINALS."

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 49, 27 August 1923, Page 7

"LANDOWNERS NOT CRIMINALS."

Before • the Prime Miniitev. left'!,'|o» Auckland on Saturday he was .semindejl by the Horn J. A. Hanari: (Inve.rcairgiU) that a number or returns promised by the^. Government had not; been- given to the' House. He was particularly concerned to secure one which would, contain particulars of the largest' landed areas- in New Zealand, showing: the unimproved values. , ■ ' Mr. Massey replied; that he did- not think it: C puld! be. got ready before the session ended, but he Would", provide, all the returns wliich Jiad been app'fo'v.ed', though" he objected' to giving the name?' of large landowners. : Mr. Hanan.:■■'. "It has been givenJon two-previous.occasions by previoVi§;:G,9verhments." - :-■ ' ■■ Mr. Massey: "Yes-, and a^ good- deal erf objection was taken" at the time... I do not think it quite fair. They aro riot criminals'^we have to treat them decently.". ■ t " '.'". .." Mr. Hanan:: "The public have' .* right' to know." , ' ' ■ "": •-.:-• ■ . ' Mr. MiiEsey: "Thsy. havei.no:.right .to know t-tie private' affairs of- anV'.individual citizen. If; you are willing. ::.toi 'tak'e-this- return 1 without the,.iiiidiyidu.ar ■nattes, you-will! get it." ••..•■.'■' " ''■■'''■';,'■'■■ '"■;