THE HON. THE PREMIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1, 6 May 1913, Page 6

THE HON. THE PREMIER.

AT THE OHAKUNE BANQUET. [Per Press Association.] .1 Taihape, May C. Tho Premier (Mr Masesy) yesterday visited Ohakune and Raetihi, meeting with a cordial reception at both places. Ho was entertained at luncheon at Raetihi, and at a banquet at Ohakune.. Speaking at 'the latter function, Mr Massey said he was convinced the Raetihi railway would be a paying proposition. It was urgently needed, and would bo carried out as soon as funds .permitted. He referred to the lingo areas of- Crown and Native land of good quality which were idle, and stated that tho time had arrived when all land should he utilised.— The policy of tho Government was to bring into nso every acre of land capable of being improved in the North Island. One hundred thousand acres out of 250,000 acres would ho ready for settlement before the end of June. He foreshadowed native land legislation during tho coming session for tho purpose of overcoming tho native difficulty. Mr Massey 'spoke in an optimistic strain of tho future to raise the limitations in advances to settlers and local bodies, especially the latter in tho country districts.

The speech was received with great applause. The Premier left for Wellington by the express.