MINISTER OF LANDS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 48, 25 August 1925, Page 7

MINISTER OF LANDS

DEFENCE OF GOVERNMENT.

|BT TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

PAHIATUA, This Day.

The Hon. A. D. M'Leod, Minister of Lands, paid his first official visit yesterday, when he received deputations, and addressed a big meeting in tfie evening. The Mayor (Mr. Crewe) presided. The Minister had a very enthusiastic reoeption. Mr. M'Nicol^ the Government candidate, also addressed the meeting. The Minister expressed regret at, and sympathy with, Mr. Wilford in his illness. He dealt at length with the fusion negotiations. Replying to Mr. R. Master's recent statements, Mr. M'Leod sought to show the Liberals' bargaining for portfolios had been a part of the negotiations. He asked if Mr. Masters told them he expected to get one of the portfolios. The Minister vigorously defended the Government against the charges of its opponents, quoting figures in supporting the achievement of the Governmunt in many ways, notably land settlement, housing, soldiers' repatriation roading, and immigration. The Minister also announced he was negotiating for thp acquirement of the estate of the late Sir Walter Buchanan.

The Minister was frequently applauded. To a questioner, Mr. M'Leod said, Fusion or no fusion, the Government was not in the habit of deserting its friends. He was,.accorded hearty thanks, «id a vote of confidence in the Government was carried unanimously amid great enthusiasm.

The Minister expressed the opinion that Mr. M'Nicol regain the Pahiatua seat this election. The Minister afterwards was entertained.at a smoke concert.