THE PREMIER AT GISBORNE.

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

THE PREMIER AT GISBORNE.

REPLIES TO DEPUTATION. [United Peess Association.! GISBORNE, Saturday. Replying to a deputation of runholders on the question of small grazing runs, the Premier denied the suggestion that the Government had looked at the matter from its political aspect. He said an attempt had been made to influence a southern constituency adversely to the Government over this matter. Such conduct he regarded with supreme contempt. If the Government, in settling the landinte rest of the country, were considering what political views person? interested held, he for one would not be a member of it. He announced in regard to £*evcral runs which had been "mentioned that the Government had decided to allow lesaeos to retain possession of tho land they had brought from a wild state to its present condition of settlement. The other cases would be carofully considered on their merits. This announcement was received with expressions of approval. The Railway League deputation expressed pleasure at the satisfactory progress being made with the construction of the railway, and urged the need for opening branch linos. The Premier, replying, said tho Govornment were doing the best for the whole Dominion, subject to the limitations placed upon them. He recog nised that this would be a great district, and he said the Government [ would push on tho line as rapidly a* possible. The aubject of feeders tc j the railway would have close attention. bi . : . YA-'Jtafc!