TAUMARUNUI.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 16, 8 February 1907, Page 3

TAUMARUNUI.

A considerable area of Crown land, in this district, is to be opened for settlement during the present year. A block of 32,000 acres, in the Piopiotia West Survey district, is to be opened in a few months' time, and some village homesteads and rural sections will probably be opened in a few weeks. There is also talk of a large area in the North Waimarino block being offered for selection shortly. Mr W. T.Jennings, M.H.R., arrived here on Saturday and was tendered a banquet, by the local branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation, on Saturday night, the Rev. Ward occupying the chair. During the evening various toasts were proposed, the Chairman welcoming Mr Jennings to the town. In the course of a vigorous speech, Ithe guest of the evening touched on various matters of interest to the district. Referring to the Native Land Commission, Mr Jennings expressed the hope that a reasonable solution of a great difficulty, would be arrived at, but would liked to have seen a common-sense business man on the Commission together with the two legal gentlemen who had been appointed. There was a tendency to allow lawyers too much sway, and he disapproved of the practice of giving so much attention to'the legal aspect. With reference to the land question, Mr Jennings announced himself a believer in the optional tenure. Sollong as they stood firm with regard to the limitation of area, there was no fear pf serious abuses creeping in. He referred to the condition of the King Country townships under Maori leasehold, and attributed the slow progress of the various centres to the Maori-owned lands, also drawing a comparison between the state of Taihape, which was not Maori-owned' and Taumarunui and Te Kuiti. Other matters of local interest were touched on briefly, and a 'very pleasant gathering was concluded before midnight.