LAND SETTLEMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2446, 27 April 1915, Page 7

LAND SETTLEMENT

HON. W. FRASER AT TAUMARUNUI.

(By Telegraph.—Presu Association.)

Taumarunul, April 26. On Saturday the Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Public M'orks, opened a bridge over the Ongarue River at Tanngamutu, three miles from Taumarunul. This gives access to a large body ot settlers at present in occupation of several_ important blocks of land opened up and settled within the last few 3'® ars - The Minister was welcomed by t , , Pl t ,ta ! n > chairman of the Setslid driven over some of the roads in tie neighbourhood. He made an interesting speech at the ceremony, congratulating the district on the rapid and prosperous settlement and on the fine bridge erected. Tho Government, he said, was fully alive to the great importance of settlement and primary.production, its anxiety to help beingf limited only by the means at its disposal. Borrowing should be cautious under present circumstances, but what had been spent was reproductive. and it was marvellous what this little country raised and exported. Rapidly-developing districts like the King Country required special consideration, and as a matter of fact three or four Tithes as much public money had been spent in the Taumarunui electorate as in other parts of the Dominion. Though Government resources were largely drawn upon they were not exhausted. and sufficient was available to provide employment during tho winter for all who might be in need of it owing to tho effects of the war.

The Minister aud several guests from Taumarunui and elsewhere were entertained to a sumptuous luncheon by the settlers. In the afternoon a deputation from the Taumarunui Chamber of Commerce was received. This advocated the completion of a national highway between Auckland and Wellington, by building three bridges and forming certain portions of the road. The Minister promised to consider the matter carefully. Ho thought a tax on motor traffic would be inevitable. Several other matters of more local interest were brought before Mr. Eraser and received sympathetic replies.