MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 1948, 3 December 1906, Page 2

MINISTER FOR LANDS.

THE DEMAND FOR THE FREEHOLD. LAND BILL CONDEMNED.

PRESS ASSOCIATION Auckland, last night, The liveliest and most interesting meeting addressed by the Hon. R. McNab. Minister for Lands, during the present, tour of the district was that which assembled at Papakura (about 20 miles south of Auckland, in Manukau electorate) on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance. The speech was on the line's of Mr McNab’s previous addresses. He admitted that he was in a district hostile I to the Land Bill, and said he did not believe in disguising opposition, but in meeting and endeavoring to overcome, it. In concluding his speech he referred to the next session’s fight on the Bill, and said that “in the event of the measure being defeated we know what attitude ought to be adopted by honest and honorable men, to step off the platform.” A vote of thanks to Mr McNab and one of confidence in the Government .was moved by Mr E. S. Cole.

Mr J. Flanagan, secretary of the Drury branch of the Farmers' Union, move.fi, and Mr E. Morgan, president of the same body, seconded, the following amendment; “ That this meeting, whilst thanking the Hon. Mr McNab for his able address, is of opinion that no Land Bill will be acceptable that does not contain a provision whereby future settlers on Crown lands can obtain the option of the freehold." On a show of hands being taken, the amendment was carried by a large majority, amidst loud applause and cheers, and cries of “ the freehold 1 ” Mr McNab thanked them for their vote of thanks, and acknowledged the deoision they had arrived at.

The meeting broke up with cheers for Mr Lang, and counter cheers for Mr Ballard.

Mr McNab leaves for South on Tues day.