The Minister of Lands.

Manawatu Herald, 23 February 1895, Page 3

The Minister of Lands.

m — The Hon. J. McKenzie addressed a largely attended meeting at the Dunedin Garrison Hall on Wednesday night. The Mayor, Mr H. S. Fish, presided. The Minister, who was cordially received, regretted he had to speak at a time of such great depression. There wag no record of the products of the earth having been so unremunerative as at present. To counteract it they must increase productiveness and place products on World's market so a3 to secure best value. He would not have time to defend himself and the Government from one half of the slanders. The Ofcngo Daily Times had made him an especial target. He had been advised he had cause for action. He complained especially of the republication of four years ago of a paragraph concerning his daughter's alleged engagement, and ol his being in receipt of £8000 annually. Both strtements had been contradicted, but there had been no apology made. He said there were two branches of the service. One temporary and one permanent, and though 25 years in politics he had not a single relative in the Civil Service. Of the lists published, only seven were in the Civil Service, and none of these were relatives except his son, who was his private secrcary. The Speaker defended the policy of the Government and touched on several measures to be introduced next session, after which a vote of thanks and confidence in the Minister and Government was carried practically without opposition after a vote of thanks only had been rejected.— Press Association.