HON. E. A. RANSOM’S TOUR.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17982, 29 March 1930, Page 6

HON. E. A. RANSOM’S TOUR.

The Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Public Works, wh>o has been on a tour of the Raglan district, has shown in a practical manner his sympathy with the drawbacks of the outback settler. His trip has brought him face to face with a number of the urgent needs of the men in the more_ remote places; as a practical man he at once recognised that they were genuine and promptly promised practical assistance. The requests made were all of that class which can be classified as urgent necessities —there was nothing fantastic or extravagant about them—and when the works are carried out (as no doubt they will he with all expedition) they will prove a boon to •present settlers in the district and provide an incentive for others to take up holdings. The opinion has been expressed that the interests of the outback man have been neglected—that he has been refused necessities whilst those in the large centres have been granted luxuries. There may be something in the contention, hut the Minister of Public Works has during his present tour of the Raglan electorate shown that he has a real and practical sympathy for the isolated settlers and is determined to assist them. In so doing he is furthering the interests of the country, which can best be served by providing facilities for settlement.