SPEECH BY THE HON. C. H MILLS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11636, 25 April 1901, Page 6

SPEECH BY THE HON. C. H MILLS.

GROWTH OF POPULATION IN THE NORTH ISLAND. [BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Blenheim, Wednesday. The Hon. C. H. Mills addressed his constituents at Blenheim to-night, obtaining a cordial reception. Dealing with the lands for settlement question, he stated that negotiations were now going on between the Assets Board and the Government with-the view of cutting up the Board's Awatere properties into eight or nine runs. The Department of Agriculture was extending its operations rapidly, the expenditure last year amounting to £74,581, and he considered the good work done in the past justified this. In his opinion the colony would have been much better to-day if such experts as are now engaged in disseminating information in connection with this Department had been employed years ago. With regaid to trade and commerce the value of the produce of the colony had increased from £9,759,846 in 1890, to £13,477,966 in 1900. The Government had taken steps to open up fresh avenues for trade. He had lately been assured by a competent authority, a representative of a large business firm in the Old Country," that owing to the exhaustion of the land at Home, on which barley had been successfully grown for many years, it was now being found necessary to import this cereal to a large extent, and if New. Zealand fostered her trade in barley nearly 100,000 bushels would be exported yearly. He referred to the success of the loan just issued, and said it was conclusive proof of the prosperity of the colony. The Valuation Department was doing' its utmost to bring about a satisfactory system of valuation for the whole colony. Reference was made to the taking of the census, and he said that under the Representation Act, passed last year, making an alteration in the electoral boundaries, tliera would be an increase in the number of members by six. He said the interim returns showed a large increase in the population of the North Island, and the indications were that probably five or six new seats would go to the North Island. A vote of thanks and confidence in Mr. Mills as district representative and in the Government was carried unanimously. During the day Mr. Mills travelled by special train to the Awatere railway and bridge works, and visited the Starborough Settlement . I