(From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 24

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

GREYMOUTH, February 24- j Speaking at Runanga to-day, in reply to t, deputation, Mr M'Nab stated that the ' question of State-owned steameis in connection with the State mine had been laised before, but he saw that the day was approaching when the time would be ripe for the change to be brought about whereby the- State would deal with an article from production to distribution. As to the delay in the disposal of the I land, he said the position was singular 111 that at the end of last session the land laws were considerably altered, one of tho chief tenures in the old act being abolished. | When the act was got on the Statute Book regulations and provisions had to be framed and approved of. These reached the printing office just before Christmas, so that further delay on account of holidays ensued- The result was that it vra^ r.ot till February 3 that it was possible to ( pioceed under the new conditions. Even 1 how complaints were being made of want of information to intending' applicants The whole delay was due to the change from one land syßtem to another, but raatteia were how «i a fair working basis.

] At the State mine township the Ministeft \\a^ entertained at a complimentary dinner. and m le-ponding to the toast of his healthi he -aid he was delighted at the prospects of the Coast from an agricultural point of mow. He leceived a deputation from tho Muter-.' Union, who ad\ocated State* owned steamers for carrying State coal fror» (ye\ mouth. Tho Minister said he would placo the representations before his colleagues. Other matters of local importance were c.ealt with. On his arrival in Greymouth the Minister was entertained at afrprnoon tea by the W.C.T. Union at the cailoi-3 Rest.