MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 343, 18 February 1902, Page 2

MINISTER FOR LANDS.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.] Invercargill, last night. The Hon. Mr Duncan has concluded a three days’ visit to Southland. Aftermeeting the farmers and those interested. in the dredging industry in the Wnimnmh. and Charlton districts he proceeded to western district, where he metj deputations, and inspected the Headon Bush Estate, which the farmers and others wish the Government to purchase for close settlement. The Minister was favorably impressed with the locality, and expressed' surprise that it had not been settled more closely ere now, as he found much inferior land as he went along fairly settled. With Messrs Gilfedder and Hanan, M.H.R.’s, the Commissioner of Landsi and members of the Land Board, Mi Dunean proceeded to Beaumont Estate, where he received a deputation from Crown tenants re a reduction of rents. He also visited the Winton lime hills, Forest Hills, and other parts, and expressed surprise at the extent of open country, and its splendid agricultural resources. To-day Mr Duncan visited Seaward Bush, where he beard the settlers on the urgency of providing roads through the bush. The Minister found the locality not in as good a position as could be wished regarding roads. This afternoon Mr Duncan, who created a favorable impression among the settlers, left for Pornahaka, Lawrence, Central Otago, and Waihemo.