KAWHIA LANDS.

Evening Star, Issue 14039, 21 April 1909, Page 7

KAWHIA LANDS.

The Hon. G. Fowids recently, in reply' to a speech delivered by Mr Massev, denied that he joined a deputation to 'the lata Mr Seddon to protest against- the opening of some lands at Kawhia under ths optional system. Mr Massev characterised this as quibbling,.saying that the deputation, when they met the Prime Minister, did not specifically refer to the Kawhia lands. " but Northern members knew better than do that. The request of the deputation applied to all Crown lands, which, of course, included the lands about to be opened at Kawhia." Mr Fowids, replying to this, said the fact that the Government lands' had been advertised for selection under the optional system some time after the deputation had waited on Mr Seddon in 1901 should satisfy anyone excepting Mr Massev. That_ the withdrawal of those lands was not in consequence of the representations made by the deputation referred to, and Mr Massey's statement that he (Mr Fowids) attended as one of a deputation to Mr Seddon asking for the withdrawal of the Kawhia. lands, remained untrue and unapologised for. Replying to this, Mr Massey summarises what "took place, stating, inter alia, that the deputation that waited upon Mr Seddon asked for one exclusive tenure to govern all lands disposed of by the country—namely, perpetual leases with periodical revaluation. He asserts that the Kawhia lands, after being advertised for selection under the optional system, were withdrawn, and oli'ered under leases in perpetuity only. Mr Massey suggests that Mr Fowids should follow the example of his colleague Mr Hogg, and accept his share of the responsibility for what, took place.