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Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1926, Page 2

The Minister of Lands who met representatives of the local bodies at the County Chambers last evening, was eminently practical, and certaiiily entertaining in his remarks. Mr McLeod is a strong man in the Ministry, and

his .strength can be well understood, and by those who listened to him, well appreciated. The Minister is very happily placed, wo should say, as tho Minister of Lands. He is an out ail’d out friend of the man on tho land. It was plain lie has much sympathy with the returned soldier on the land. For tho primary producer in particular ha has more than regard, ho has concern, lie recognises the plight of things pertaining to land settlement in New Zealand—the drift to the towns; the neglect of settlement; the struggle Of tho man with high-priced land. He recognises that the primary producer is not paid adequately for his work or his worth. Tho small farmer’s income is not equal to paying for farm held. The small farmer has to rely on tho aid bo receives from his wife and family. Only by that domestic help may ho make ends meet. Mr McLeod put the case plainly and he supported it strongly by referring to the like conditions prevailing in the United States and the serious view he took of the outlook, both for this country and for tho world at large. There was another side apparent last night to the Minister’s administrative capacity—lie was bluntly practical in his remarks. He summed up different problems put to him in a way which left no misunderstanding as to what he meant. The Minister is an. experienced farmer, and has studied the business from all sides. He views wore at once impressive, leaving the impress of linn conviction. The Minister’s review of the question of deteriorated lands showed he had studied the problem from different angles. Ami the conclusions he reached suggested practical common-sense had helped to prolnulate tlm views lie expressed. Ho was equally clear in his dissertation on the use and carriage of lime, and the discrimination which should he used in selecting farm country, lie was no less clear nlkl definite when dealing with public questions relating to the expenditure of votes. He outlined principles worthy of the fullest respect and consideration. Altogether air McLeod in his remarks supplied much food for thought, and the people should look forward with interest for his return visit to Westland. He proposes to come agniti, next time via the II mist Pass. In his remarks last night, the .Mi bister eulogised the farming country he had passed through during the day and again his judgment, will he appreciated, lor he gave special .praise to the land he had seen in this district.