LAND AND RENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1923, Page 4

LAND AND RENTS.

LABOUR VISITOR’S SPEECH

WELLINGTON, Sept. 21

Critical references were made to settlement and rentals in New Zealand by Hr J. Wignall, M.P., for the Forest of Dean, in a speech at a Labour gathering.

-Mr Wignall, who is the Labour representative on the Overseas .Settlement Delegation, declared: “I have seen land in New Zealand which would take three cows to the acre, and also three acres which would hardly feed a 'rabbit. The land which would take three cows to the acre is already in the possession of somebody, while the land which will hardly feed a rabbit is ready for sale if anyone is silly emu; gh to buy it.’’ He was told that there was one and a. half million acres of land which would be available some day. no asked. “Are the roads made? Are the rial ways there?” The reply was. “No not yet.” ‘'Then.” he said, ‘'it is time to talk about people coming on tlic land when they arc able to get to the land.” Clear, hear.) He said that lie too!, i ff his hat to the pioneers who bad sacrificed and suffered to make New Zealand what it was. They were not Russia:! Roles. (Applause.) They were of good British slock, and there was room for millions mure in the Dominion. but the land must he made available. Proceeding to speak on the housing f|!iostion, Mr Wignall said that they had not known at Home what the rents wo 17. in Now Zealand, lie said emphatically: ‘The rents in this country are the greatest disgrace J have ever come in contact with. It is nothing short rf legalised robbery. We don’t know these things, hot if Lod spares me T will, when T get hack, tell what 1 know.” He did not. wish to disparage this beautiful foundry. hut they had to work for the emancipation of their own class.