A POLITICAL ADDRESS.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13930, 11 February 1914, Page 5

A POLITICAL ADDRESS.

MR MASSEY AT TE AROHA

[United Fbbss Association.]

Te Aroha, Feb. 10.

The Prime Minister, in the course of rft political address to-night, reviewed the legislation of the past session. He said nearly 20,000 Crown tenants now had an opportunity of converting leasehold to freehold. During the year ended on Decemher 31st last the Government liad placed 2143 settlors on the land, who had taken up 677,910 acres. Referring to loan matters, Mr Mas(Wy said the 4£ million raised about two years ago cost £144,040, and to raise the money to pay it off would cost £235,000, a total of £379,049. He .announced the Government's intention to shortly raise the limits for advances to settlers from £750 to £1000; to workers from £400 to £450 (maximum allowed by law at present); to local . authorities from £2-002 to £2500; i or any particular work and advances within " townships, excluding the populous ■centres, to £2500. . Mr Massey epoke in support of the Government's defence policy, and its wtion in the recent .strike.

The Hons. W. H. Herries and Dr. Pom are also spoke, the reception acveorded to all being most cordial.