THE LAND BILLS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13317, 20 June 1907, Page 5

THE LAND BILLS.

Per Press Association. STRATFORD, June 19. Mr Cooper, a member of the Advisory Board of the New Zealand Executive of the Fanners' Union, addressed a, meeting in the Town Hall last night on the Land Bill, dealing with some points in the address recent!}* given by the Minister for Lands. At the conclusion of the address a. resolution was carried expressing lack of confidence in the present Government an regard to its proposal to set aside the unoccupied Crown lands of the colony for endowment purposes, and to grant the option of the freehold only in" regard to Grown and native lands hereafter to be acquired.- , . An amendment, to the effect that the Bill contained many redeeming features which must eventually operate in the best interests of the majority of the people ( of the "colony was proposed, but declared lost on the voices. GORE. June 19Last night Mr W. B. Matheson, of the Farmers' Union Executive, addressed about 60 persons at Mataura at the opening of the Southland' campaign. The Mayor presided. The speech was on the lines of, those delivered in the north- The speaker deceived an attentive hearing, and a motion was carried that Mr Matheson be thanked for his able and instructive address, and that, any Land Bill which does no£ contain the option' of the freehold is not in the best interests of the colony.

Mr" Matheson will continue to givo addresses in the- district during the week, and will reply to the .Minister of Lands' Gore speech one night next week.