POLITICAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3727, 4 December 1906, Page 2

POLITICAL.

Mr UloNali’s Tonr.

Auckland, Dec. 2.

The liveliest and most interesting meeting addressed by the Hon. R. McNab, Minister of Lands, during the present tour of the district was that which assembled at Papakura (twenty miles south of Auckland, in the Manukau electorate) on Saturday evening. There was a large attendance. The speech was on the lines of Mr McNab’s previous addresses. He admitted that he was in a district hostile to the Land Bill, and said he did not believe in disguising opposition, but in meeting and <*n?' deavouring to overcome It. concluding his speech he referred to next session’s fight on the bill, and said that “ In the event of the measure being defeated we know what attitude ought to be adopted by honest and honourable men—to step off the platform.” A vote of thanks to Mr McNab and one of confidence in the Government, was moved by Mr E. S. Cole.

Mr J. Flanagan (secretary of the Drury Branch of the Farmers’ Union) moved, and MrE. Morgan (president of the same body) seconded the following amendment: “That this meeting, whilst thanking the Hon. Mr McNab for his able address, is of opinion that no Land Bill will be acceptable that does not contain provision whereby future settlers on Crown lauds can obtain option of the freehold.”

On a show of hands being taken the amendment was carried by a large majority amidst loud applause, and cheers and cries of “ the freehold.” Mr McNab thanked the audience for the vote of thanks, and acknowledged the decision arrived at. The meeting broke up with cheers ior Mr Lang and counter cheers for Mr Ballard.