MR MASSEY AT CHEVIOT.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8808, 9 May 1907, Page 3

MR MASSEY AT CHEVIOT.

An Enthusiastic Meeting. Press Association. Christchurch, May 8. Mr W. F. Massey, M.H.E., Leader of the Opposition, visited Cheviot yesterday at the invitation of a number of the settlers in that district. He was met at Domett by Messrs T. Meikle, Chairman of the Cheviot County Council; S. Smith, President of the Cheviot Settlers’ Association, and a number of representative settlers, and spent the afternoon driving round the district. In the evening Mr Massey delivered an address in the Town Ha !. The meeting was the largest ever held at Cheviot, the hall being crowded. Mr Massey s "ddress was devoted chiefly to tho land ouestion. Ho had an enthusiastic reception, and the keenest interest was manifested in his speech from start to finish. His address was on tho lines of previous speeches delivered by him during the past recess. At the close of his address tho following motion was proposed and seconded: —■ “ That this meeting accords a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Massey for his statesmanlike address, and is of opinion that the optional system of tenure is tho most satisfactory method of settling the people upon the land ” An amendment was moved, “ That this meeting thanks Mr Massey for his address, and expresses its entire confidence in tho jiresent Government’s liberal land policy.” The motion was carried by a large majority amidst much excitement and enthusiasm.

In returning thanks Mr Massey said there was a tremendous fight approaching on tho question of freehold and leasehold. Ho could give the audience this assurance, that the Land Bill of Government was not going to be passed into law so long as ho remained a member of Parliament. (Loud applause). Ho was not speaking egotistically or boastingly but they would have to expel him before the Bill passed into law, and ho would never rest, and those working with him would never rest, until every settler on tho land of tho Crown had the right of option of purchase. (Loud cheers.) Mr Massey returned to Wellington to-night.