THE MINISTER OF LANDS INTERVIEWED.

Evening Star, Issue 12872, 23 July 1906, Page 4

THE MINISTER OF LANDS INTERVIEWED.

WILL NOT DESERT HIS CONSTITUENCY. [Special to the Siab.] OAMARU, July 23. There is some doubt whether the Government -will acquire Otekaiko for closer settlement. Interviewed on the subject, the Minister of Lands staled that the valuers on the two sides were near enough in valuations to make a compromise practicable, but t!be costly residence oii.the estate, which was worth £9,000 or £IO,OOO, was the stumbling block, b,s no tenant was likely to be found who would be prepared to pay the rent for this establishment in addition to that of the adjacent manager's house, and the owners had no wish to retain any part of the estate. If tbo Crown decide to acquire the property, the Minister has arranged for tie Land Purchase Comimissionerfi to pay another visit to Otekaike to endeavor to come to teems with Mr Campbell. Mr Duncan added that if on agreement could not be arrived at there would bo nothing for it but to go to court, and the department would rather not be forced' to make such an. appeal, as the cost of the proceedings would increase the ultimate rental to be paid by tenants. Questioned as to what would probably be the result of the reconstruction of the Ministry by Sir J. G-. Ward, Mr-Duncan said that there would be no reconstruction. As soon as Sir Joseph arrived in Wellington the Premier would resign, and Sir J. G. Ward would have an absolutely free hand in the selection of bis colleagues. Aa to the talk of his own. translation to the Upper House in tie event of his not being included in the Cabinet after this month. Mr Duncan said that ro attention should be paid to such gossip. As long as his health continued good and tlw> electors wanted his services, lie would not desert bis constitutencv.