THE LAND BILL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8842, 19 June 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

Per Press Association. Steatfohd, June 19. Mr J. O. Cooper, member of the Advisory Board of tho _ Farmers’ Union, addressed a meeting the town hall last night on the Land Bill, and dealt with some points in the address recently given by the Minister for Lands. At the conelusion a resolution was carried expressing lack of confidence in the present Government in regard to'its proposals to set aside . the _ unoccupied Crown lands of the ’colony for endowment purposes aud to grant option of freehold ouly as regards Crown aud native lauds hereafter to be acquired. An amendment to tho effect that the Bill contained many redeeming features which must inevitably operate in the best interests of the majority of tho people of tho colony was proposed, but declared lost, on the voices. Goke, June 19. Last night Mr W. B. Matthesou, of the Farmers’ Union Executive, addressed a met tiug_ of about 60 at Matanra, thus opening his Southland campaign. The Mayor presided. Tho speech was on the lines of those delivered in the North, and received an attentive hearing. A motion was carried that Mr Matthesou ho thanked for his able and instructive address, aud expressing the opinion that any Laud Bill which did not contain the option of tho freehold was not in tho best interests of the colony. Mr Matthesou continues his addresses in tho district this week, and will reply to tho Minister of Lands’ speech at Gore one night next week.