SIR J. G. WARD AT GISBORNE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVI, Issue 10060, 30 January 1909, Page 2

SIR J. G. WARD AT GISBORNE.

(Pek Press Association.) Gisborne, January 30.

Sir Joseph Ward, who is a tiiroughpassenger by the Manuka, visited Gisborne this morning, being welcomed by the Mayor. Lady Ward and party were taken a motor drive into the country by the Mayoress.

The Premier spent the morning receiving deputations oil various local matters, going thoroughly into the question of the future disposal of the grazing runs the leases of which are falling in. Sir J. G. Ward, replying to a deputation, said he thought the time had arrived. when this district, should have a separate Land Board, owing to the large estates to be dealt with.

Replying to a deputation of runholders on the question of small grazing runs, the Premier deprecated the suggestion that the Government, had looked at the matter from a political aspect. Ail attempt had been made to influence a Southern constituency adversely .to the Government over this matter, and 6uch conduct he regarded with supreme contempt. If Government, in settling land., in the interest of-the country, was to consider -whal-poli-tical views the persons interested held he for one would not be a, member of. the Government, lie announced : in regard lo several runs which had been mentioned that they had decided to allow the lessees to'retain possession of the land they had brought from a.wild state to its present condition of settlement-. .. The other eases would-be carefully considered, on their merits. This announcement was received with expressions of approval. • The Railway L-sague deputation to the Premier expressed satisfaction at the progress being made in construction with the railway, and urged the ■ need for opening branch'lines.' The Premier, replying, said the Government- were doing their best for the whole Dominion subject to the limitations placed 'upon them. He recognised that this would- be a great district, and promised- that the Government would push on the line as rapidly as possible. The subject of feeders : to the railway would haye their close attention.