Deputations.

King Country Chronicle, Volume II, Issue 87, 19 June 1908, Page 5

Deputations.

The first speaker was Major Lusk, who introduced the subject of roads, and dwelt at length on the importance of having a good metalled road in place of the one the Premier had travelled over that day, and also of a more active reading policy. Mr Boddie also spoke on this subject, and emphasised the importance of metalling the main road _and also the Te Kumi road. — Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said that he could not promise anything definite, but the Government intended to set aside £250,000 for back block roads. In cases of loans, the Premier said, if people asked for a certain sum, and then wanted a subsidy, it meant that the Government had to provide double the amount of money, and they would not be able to supply it unless they went in for a very big loan. Mr Jer. Ormsby referred to the question of taking lands for roadin,g purposes through Native lands, and mentioned that it was a difficult matter for the County Council to take these lands, but as" the Government had power to take these lands for reading purposes, it would assist the Council if the Government would do so.

Mr G. Elliott spoke on behalf of the out-back settlers, and first referred to the amount of goods which had been taken out during the last three months. He said that 1,800 tons had been carted, and that it had cost the settlers £4,800. lie also dealt with the railway deviation and the mail service.—The Premier, in rcplv, said he understood the necessity-" of action, on the part of the Government, and would look into the matter.

Mr Fine very forcibly placed before the Premier the circumstances under which the residents were placed in regard to the tenure, and the Premier

said he was going into the matter. and would trv and bring about legislation which would alter the condition of affairs, at the same time making it fair to the Maori and Pakeha alike.'

Mr Pine also introduced the subject of " No License," and went on to detail the present conditions, but the Premier said it was too great a question, and that Parliament was not prepared to legislate on it during the session. His reason for saying this was that it necessitated an amendment of the present licensing laws, which they were not prepared to undertake during the coming session.

Mr Jas. Smyth then waited on the Premier with reference to the Railway Deviation, and stated that as Aria was a Government township he ■thought the railway should go through there. The speaker went on to say that there were twenty-seven Crown tenants in ;the district, and they all wanted to raise a loan.—The Premier stated that if they could only manufacture say £1,000,000 they would be able to do some good. The removing of the punt was also brought before the Premier by Mr Smyth, who stated that if it was shifted six miles down the river it would assist the settlers.— The Premier promised to look into all the requests, and the deputations withdrew.

After the deputations had been disposed of the Premier was entertained at a hanquet in the Hall. Mr J. Boddie presided, and a very large gathering assembled. The followingprogramme was got through :—Toast, "King." Chairman; toast, "Army, Navy and Auxiliary Forces," Major Lusk, Messrs Kirkby and Nicholson ; song, Mr G. Warren; toast, " Our Guest," Chairman; toast, " Parliament of N.Z." Mr J. W. Ellis, Messls Jennings and Greenslade, M.P.'s.; toast, "Commercial and Pastoral Interests," Mr Jer. Ormsby, Messrs Darrow and Pine; recitation, Mr G. Warren ; toast, " Pioneers of the King Countrv," Mr G. Elliott, Mr J. W. Ellis; sone, Mr Blackman; toast, " The Ladies," Messrs R. M. Somerville and Roper ' toast, " The Press," Chairman and Mr Matthew; toast, " Host and Hostess," Chairman.

The Premie*, «ac< mpanied by Messrs Jennings anu Greenslade, Ms.P., left Te Kuiti for Kawhia, via Otorohanga and Te Awamuutu, early on Thursday morning. .