MEMBER FOR FRANKLIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 77, 22 June 1927, Page 13

MEMBER FOR FRANKLIN

SPEAKS AT PAPATOETOE An address was given by Mr. E. W. McLennan, M.P., for the Franklin district in the Presbyterian Hall, Fapatoetoe, on Monday, June 20. Mr. A. W. Hall, chairman of the Papatoetoe Town Board, occupied the chair, In opening, Mr. McLennan expressed regret at losing Papatoetoe from his electorate, explaining how the changeover had come about, incidentally mentioning that any objections re the new divisions must be in the commissioner’s hands by June 27, and promising his support to any petition that would be forwarded from this quarter. Referring to the strenuous times the country was passing through, he mentioned a few of the points emphasised by the Prime Minister, viz., specialising on closer settlement, national safety, the League of Naffons, more business in Government and less Government in business. The country’s finance showed an improvement during the latter part of the year. There was an increase of over £400,000 in this quarter’s exports ending March 31, and a decrease of over £1,000,000 in imports for the same quarter. Regarding dairy control, the speaker did not try to fix the blame on anybody, but said the whole board was to blame. If control had been a success the board would have taken the credit, but the whole thing hinged on supply and demand. Hope was expressed that the board would continue to function, and take note of their past experiences.

The question of land settlement and development was dealt with, and the necessity for bringing idle land into production. The most trouble was found with the second-class or poorer land—6.9oo odd acres at Rotorua and over 2.000 acres at Te Kuiti had been thrown open free, providing certain improvements were made. Every effort was Ijeing made to encourage land settlement and land development. The best land tenure was freehold. Money was needed for settlers on longdated loans. Hope was expressed that more help would be given by the Highways Board in subsidising main country roads. It was a better proposition to reduce train fares and improve services, than put on motor-buses in competition to the private enterprise. Regarding water supply the speaker mentioned that he had urged the formation of the commission, and their finding was that • the city council should be the ruling body. On the motion of Mr. T. M. Waters, chairman of the Manukau County Council, a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. McLennan, and also with continued confidence in him and the party lie represented.