EXTRACT FROM MR. LOCKE’S SPEECH AT MAKARAKA.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 154, 11 June 1884, Page 2

EXTRACT FROM MR. LOCKE’S SPEECH AT MAKARAKA.

Speaking on pre-emptive right, he thought a great deal had been made out of what he had said at the Wairoa on that question. He did not like to have a man quibbling upoh words. Mr. Gannon in his address stated that he (Mr, Locke) said : “He did not think the pre-emptive right should be resumed on any land that had not been dealt with or on which money had been paid, It was another question as to wnether it should be applied to the King country for a few years, as none of the lands had been dealt with there. There were many hundreds of thousands of acres belonging to the natives along the East Coast. Between Wairoa, Gisborne, and the Mohaka districts there were about 300,000 acres of native land which had not been dealt with, and upon which money had not been paid.” He was surprised at Mr. Gannon putting in such an address as that. What did they consider was the King country? He never heard that Mohaka or Wairoa were in the King country. When he spoke of the King country he did not speak of the blocks of land about here; he spoke of the land that is generally known as the King country. He said if the land of the King country had been surveyed, money must have been paid on it. Money had been advanced here, and the lands were in the Gazette ready to be heaflk at the Lands Court in Wairoa. He believed in free trade in all lands outside of the King country, and it would be better for the Government to deal with that land for some few years to come. Referring to Mr. Rees, he said that that gentleman in his speech believed in Maori committees—in what form goodness knows. They had had two or three of Mr. Rees' Bills, but fortunately for this district they had not come into force. It was not likely that Mr. Rees’ committee arrangements would ccme into force either. He said that both Mr. Gannon and Mr. Bryce had stated that the Government wanted the State to take possession of all lands that had not been actually purchased by the people, and they saw by Mr. Bryce’s speech, that he was xiot defending him, because they should hear the whole particulars of what their policy was before they condemned it, and he (Mr. Locke) said if he should be returned he certainly would go [in for free trade in lands outsids of what is known as the King Country. (Applause). They should have a consolidation of Native Lands Acts.

Major Westrup proposed and Mr. W. Stephenson seconded, “ That in the opinion of this meeting Mr. Locke is the fittest man of the three to represent us, and that we express our confidence in him, and pledge our- • selves to vote for him.” (Continued applause.)

Mr. E. ff. Ward proposed an amendment ihat thanks only be given.

Mr. T. Wright seconded. Mr. Ward then began to speak on his amendment, when he was hooted and hissed by the audience. Mr. Ward asked the Chairman if he had not a right to speak, and was told he had a perfect right to do so. Mr. Ward at Various times essayed to speak, but was groaned and hissed at. On his determination to stay until he was heard, the Chairman ruled him out of order, and Mr. Ward left the platform. The proposition was put, and was carried by a large majority. The meeting broke up with three cheers for Mr. Locke.