King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, MAR. 19, 1913 THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 551, 19 March 1913, Page 4

King Country Chronicle WEDNESDAY, MAR. 19, 1913 THE MINISTERIAL VISIT.

The visit of the Hon. W. H. Herries to Te Kuiti to-day marks the first occasion upon which the present Minister for Native Affairs has visited Te Kuiti in an official capacity, and our public men are not slow to recognise that much depends upon the occasion. Mr Herries has recently been touring the various districts of the North Island which are vitally affected by the native land problem, and has had various aspects of that highly important question presented to him. As far as this district is concerned he will probably have phases of the subject brought before his notice which are not existent in other localities. A striking feature of the problem is the manner in which the existing native legislation bears upon different district, and the ramifications of the native land laws are only to be thoroughly understood by an expert. However, a central underlying principle is discernible throughout the maze of general and special legislation, and the Minister can safely be left to form his own conclusions concerning the application of the law in general. He will have presented to him to day special features which detrimentally affect the progress and prosperity of this particular district in the shape of the native township tenure, and the lack of efficient machinery, or of a definite scheme for the roading of native lands. There will be other matters introduced for | his consideration, but it is safe to conclude that the subjects mentioned will merit special consideration. It is to be devoutly hoped the Minister will not be allowed to depart without every effort being made to place these matters before him from the standpoint of the general good, and with a view to action being taken to effect an improvement on existing conditions. It may be contended that the roading question is outside the Minister's province, and in such contention there is justification inasmuch as there is no doubt fresh legislation will be require in order to solve what has been allowed to become a rather intricate problem. However, we have every confidence both in our local advocates, and in the Minister, as far as a fair and liberal minded presentation of the position, and impartial and broad consideration of the facta are concerned. The Ministerial visit cannot fail to be productive of good. Mr Herries is personally known to many King Country residents,and will be welcomed heartily for his own sake, while his long and honourable connection with the political life of our country should ensure him a respect and a welcome such as is accorded to few public men.