FREEHOLD FOR ROTORUA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 24, 27 January 1913, Page 5

FREEHOLD FOR ROTORUA.

(Per Press Association.) Rotorua, January 27. The Prime Minister (Mr. Massey) leaves to-day by train for Hastings. On Saturday Mr. Massey inspected the Taupo-Totara Timber Company’s line from Makara to Putaruru, at which place he was entertained by the residents at luncheon. In the evening at Rotorua Mr. Massey received a deputation from the townspeople enquiring whether the Government would consider a request for freehold for Rotorua, and on what terms; also if the granting of the freehold would entail the residents becoming liable for local administration. Mr. Massey said whilst the Government were desirous of giving everybody an opportunity to acquire the freehold, Rotorua was in a different position to other places. He would lay the request before the Crown Law Office for an opinion. The granting of the freehold would certainly entail the assumption of the responsibility for local administration. Later in the evening Mr. Massey was entertained by lady supporters of :V? Reform Party.