“GOT A BITE."

Levin Daily Chronicle, 28 February 1928, Page 6

“GOT A BITE."

MR RANSOM REPLIES TO MB McLEOD. J. SALE OF LAND TO CROWN EX- s PLAINED. ( DANNEViKKE, This Pay. Replying to the challenge issued by ’ the Hon. A. D. McLeod, at To Awamutip last week to publish the price at which; ho offered his property to the Government for soldiers’ settlement, also the' Government valuation at the time that the offer was made, Air E. A. Ransom-, M.P. for Pahiatua, writes to the News stating that Mr McLeod was at perfect liberty to publish every detail of the offer made by him to se£l the land to* the Government for soldier settlementThe land was offered about 192(1, and, from memory he believed the price was about 1540 per acre. The land was situated at Ruaroa, consisting of 655 acres. - of well-improved'land. lie subsequently Sold 254 acres at £52 10s per acre, the purchaser being well satisfied with the bargain. The balance of 401 acres. ’ he still held. Concluding, Mr Ransom saysr “If is characteristic of Mr McLeod to make personal attacks on his follow-mem-bers. He has more than once discussed my private affairs on the floor of the House when not able to answer my arguments, but it is not usual for him. . to get so far out of reach when making these personal attacks, if there was anything wrong with (In* offer J made -! to the Crown io sell the land, then why has the Minister waited Jive years tomake- his challenge? Evidently what ' f toll] iny audience at, Whangarei has annoyed the Minister, and I have got , a. bit.**; out, why this broadeasted at;lack through tie- Press by innuendo/ , 1 do not fear (lie facts — they cannot hurt me, bin the insinuation is calculated to do so. Previously 1 have, re- ■ trained from mak.ng any personal at-, lacks upon iiie Minister ot Lands in lespect to recent purchases for settlement; but now that he has taken the-, gloves off, 1 am quite ready for a light., hut hope I shall not be guilty of hitting below Hie belt.”