Taking of Kuku Land

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 161, 11 July 1939, Page 6

Taking of Kuku Land

FURTHER SUPPORT FOR PROTEST. (Special to “Times.”) LEVIN, July 10. “That the committee of the Horowlienua A. and P. Association viewa with the gravest concern the action of the Government in the proposed confiscation of farm lands in the Kuku district, and assures these farmers of their united support in any action they may deem necessary to hold their farms,” was a resolution passed at a meeting of that body on Saturday evening. The matter was raised by Mr. J. A. Kilsby, who said that no less than eleven members of the association, including five life members, were in danger of losing all or part of their farms if the Government's intention was carried out. He wub of the opinion that the association should be solidly behind the settlers concerned.

The president (Mr. A. M. Colquboun) said he would like to hear the views of members. The question was not a political one, but it involved an important principle.

Mr. 11. J. Richards said the trouble was not confined to tho lauds. Jt was a matter of national importance and struck at the very roots of the principle of freedom of tenure, which the Farmers’ Union had fought so hard for. He considered that the proposal to transfer the Hutt Valiev growers to Kuku was ill-advised and ill-coueeivcd, and should be strenuously opposed.

Instancing the widespread interest that was being taken in the matter, Mr. 11. J. Lancaster stated that it had come forward at the Royal Agricultural Society’s conference the previous day by one of the delegates, who asked that the society support the settlers in their protest. Messrs I. D. Parsons, S. 13. Mextcd, R W. Evans and other members spoke in support and the above motion was carried. The Prime Minister (lit. Hon. M. J. Savage) is receiving a deputation of settlers to-day on the matter of tbe taking of the Kuku land. WAIRARAPA FARMERS SUPPORT PROTEST MAWTERTON, July 10. At a meeting of the Wairarapa Farmers* Union delegates in Masterton today, the following motion was carried unanimously:—

“That this meeting views with admiration the firm stand taken by the settlers of Kuku against the action of the Government in attempting to take their land by compulsion aud congratulates them on their fight for their homes and liberty, and success achieve! through their determination and cooperation. This meeting of Wairarapa farmers is in full sympathy with them.”