MR R. SCOTT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8483, 18 July 1913, Page 8

MR R. SCOTT

Mr R. Scott (Otago Central) opened his remarks by stating that the thought they would find it hard to get as much amusement in any entertainment as in the speech of the member for Christchurch North, but ho thought that member had better look to his laurels. They had just had a speech from the member for Napier which would bo hard to surpass in this direction. Mr L. M. Isitt ' (Christchurch North): I don’t think we will get much entertainment from you. Proceeding, Mr Scott said he was a strong advocate of closer settlement, especially where they had land in close proximity to the centres. Ho was also of opinion that when the .Government was giving consideration to the cutting up of land, they should see that facilities were available to enable settlers to gat in their provisions and send away the produce. He was convinced that the West Coast of the South Island had a future before it in the dairying industry, but it was a district which had been neglected from a farming point of view. There were certain parts which were not suitable for farming, hut there were large areas suitably adapted for dairying. It was well known that mining was not in so flourishing a state as might be expected, and he thought the Government might give his suggestion some consideration. Mr Scott was in favour of the reform which was being proposed with regard to tho Legislative Council. Mr Russell: Think it will be carried by the other House? Mr Scott: Yes, I think there is no doubt of it-