MINISTERS ON TOUR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 1 February 1909, Page 3

MINISTERS ON TOUR.

[United Pbess Association.] GISBORNE, Saturday. Sir Joseph Ward, who was" a through passenger by tho Manuka, visited Gisborne this morning, being welcomed by the Mayor. Lady Ward and party were taken lor a motor drive into the country by the Mayoress." The Premier spent the morning receiving deputations oa various local matters, going thoroughly into the question of the future disposal of grazing rnus aud leaseswhich aro falling in. Replying to a deputation, the Premier said ho thought the time had arrived when the Government should separate the Land Boards of this district, owing to the large estates to be dealt with. NAPIER, Saturday. In the course of an interview with a "Daily Telegraph" reporter, Sir Jos ph Ward referred to the reported ..registration in Australia by the Auckland shipowners. The Premier stated that, hearing the rumour before it wa published, he wired to Mr C. Holdsworth, general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, the largest shipping organisation south of the line, asking if there wa? anything iv the rumour as" far as the Union Company was concerned. Mr Holdsworth had replied that nothing of the kiud was contemplated or anticipated. The Premier thought that when the largest shipping organisation in tho country expressed this view there was no ground for uneasiness. New Zealand shipping laws were for the protection of life, together with the assistance of shipowners', and any effort on the part of political parties to remove them would bo absolutely ineffective. The Premier also informed the reporter that Mr C. L. Mackersey's Tangoio estate, comprising 8500 acres, had been placed under offer to the Government through the member for the district, Mr J. Vigor Brown. He (Sir Joseph) had instructed the chaJr- > man of tho Land Purchase Board to' examine and report on the property, and if suitable it would be acquired for closer settlement. AUCKLAND, Saturday. Mr Millar, Minister of Railway?, informed a deputation that in the Harbours Bill he would provide for the greater representation of shipowners on the Auckland Board. He stated that he would introduce legislation, probably next session, for the regulation of oil "launches plying for hire. Permits for privatS launches would . be given without restriction. t i —