THE PREMIER.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1659, 28 January 1913, Page 3

THE PREMIER.

VISIT TO ROTORUA.

THE FREEHOLD.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

Rotorua, January 27._ The Prime Minister (the Hon. W. P. Massey) leaves to-day by train for liastings. On Saturday Mr. Massey inspected tho Taupo-Totara Timber Company's line irorn Makara to Putaruru, ct which place he was entertained by residents at luncheon. Iu- tho evening at Rotorua ho received a; deputation from the townspeople inquiring whether the Government would consider a Tequest for the freehold for E-otorua, and on what terms; also if the granting of the freehold would entail residents becoming liablo for local administration. Mr. Massey said whilst the Government was desirous of giving everybody an to acquire the-free-hold Rotorua was in a different position to other places. He would lay. the leanest before the Crown law officers for an opinion. The granting of the freehold would certainly entail the assumption of responsibility for local administration. . Later in the evening Mr. Massey was entertained by lady supporters of the Re ; form party. PUMICE LANDS. - EVERT FACILITY FOR SETTLE- ' , , MENT. . (By Telograph.—Special Correspondent.) Auckland, January 27. • • The Prime Minister had a most instructive tour in the Taupo district, his route giving him a good idea of the possibilities before the great extent of country in the centre of the North Island, hitherto regarded as worthless pumice, but now recognised as having a great future. A deputation of farmers and their families met. Mr. Massey, and both pleased and surprised him with a testimonial to the abilities of pumice land. They brought with them sheaves of wheat, rye, oats, and lucerne, all grown on a pumice farm at Lichfield, where the land had been' in preparation for two or three seasons. Tho specimens, all cut- in the green, were of fine quality, and were regarded by Mr. Massey as a strong indication of -what the land can do.

The Ministerial "party was entertained at luncheon at Putaruru by .the Settlers' Association, and about 200 people were present. Mr.' Massey, in responding to the toast of his health, said he had travelled over many miles of country, good, bad, and indifferent. A 6mall part of-it had been made, more was fn the making, but a great deal of jt still remained to be made. The time would come when practically the whole of the country represented by the portions he had visited would become a valuable asset for the Dominion as a whole, and a good thing for the - people who occupied it. In time it would carry an enormous population. He had heard Canterbury men say that while such land was ' available/ there should be no need for their sons to seek farms, in Australia. That was so, and he invited those young men to, come and occupy the pumice lands. Every, facility would bo given them, including, if they desired it, the freehold tenure. (Applause.) '