THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9331, 23 January 1892, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE MINISTER OF LANDS.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sin, —No doubb the Hon. John M'Kenzio is entitled to credit for his speech at Lawrence, as it is in his best stylo ; is plausible, that and nothing more. It breathes undying hatred of the squatter and large - landed proprietor, appeals to the cupidity of his listeners, but says not a word that will really benefit the hona jide settler. He poses as the very best authority on land settlement, and yet the general belief amongst his neighbours is he is neither a practical nor a successful settler. He threatens to again foist his abortion of a Land Bill on the country, the main features of which settle more burdens upon the land, and assorts that taking away thn right of the perpetual leaseholder to convert his tenure into a freehold is for his benefit and in the interest of settlement. Of course the cry at the last election was more retrenchment. Can tho Hon. John say increased honorarium, travelling continually at tho country's expense, and the appointment of a host of his friends is in that direction ? I trow not. The present Government are following in the footsteps of the Stout-Vogel Government—they say they see thoiy way to do without increased taxation and yet increase their expenditure everywhere, forgetting that the indebtedness has to be met and that it falls on the producing industries of the country.

Of course the political meetings of the Government arc always a success. Their main plank is robbery and confiscation, nnd it is to bo expected that where the carrion is, there the eagles arc gathered together.—l am, &c , January 20. James T. Donaldson.