POLITICAL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 111, 1 July 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL.

ACTING-PREMIER IN THE SOUTH. (Per Press Association.) Invercargill, Juno 30. Sir James Carroll, accompanied by the Hon. Dr Ngata, returned to-day from the Western district of Southland, and to-night Sir James Carroll addressed a large audience in the Municipal Theatre, when he was given a most cordial reception. His speech consisted entirely of an exposition of the native land legislation and of a defence of the Government’s borrowing policy, the latter on lines already made familiar by other touring Ministers. He explained tnat his special mission was to prevent any misapprehension in the minds of the public duo to the remarks concerning unoccupied native lands referred to by Mr Massey on his recent tour in Southland. Sir James Carroll explained in detail the significance of tho legislation affecting Maori lands since the present Ministry came into power, and said he had already flatly contradicted the statements made by Mr, Massey as to the extent, of the unoccupied native lands, and was still waiting for Mr Massey’s reply. Mr Massey’s allegations regarding both sides of unoccupied areas and tho danger of native landlordism wore referred to as “a tissue of misstatements.” Mr Massey had on two different occasions stated that there were six million acres and four million acres respectively of native lands unoccupied. Both the statements were absolutely wrong. Of six million acres owned by Maoris in the North Island, practically four million acres were in profitable occupation, leaving a balance of two million acres of unoccupied native lands, and of this balance more than one million acres were vested in tire public and other trustees. The land was incorporated for settlement or was invested in land boards for lease. Sir James Carroll declared that Mr Herries was the only member of tho Opposition who knew any thing about native affairs, and had never been guilty of the false criticism levelled by Messrs Massey, Allen, and Herdraan. The Hon. Ngata also spoke, and was given a warm reception. The speakers were accorded a vote of thanks. The Acting-Premier’s party leaves to-morrow for Gore, where Sir James Carroll speaks in tho evening. He goes to Dunedin on Monday and speaks there on Tuesday.