The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1900. RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 177, 3 July 1900, Page 2

The Daily News. TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1900. RESIGNATION OF THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

The resignation of the Hon. John McKenzie, who for the past ten years has so ably filled the position of Minister for Lands, is little less than a public calamity. To the liberal land laws initiated and carried through the Legislature by Mr. McKenzie much of the present prosperity of the colony is undoubtedly due. When he took office, under the late Mr. settlement was at a standstill, people were leaving the colony in thousands, because, although enormous areas were lying unoccupied, it seemed hopeless to expect any provision being made to foster settlement, The advent of Mr. McKenzie changed all this, and a progressive policy, in the construction of roads and the settlement of the adjacent lands, quickly followed. Taranaki very soon, and has very largely, reaped the benefit of his administration. In 1890 there was little, if any, settlement east of the railway between Hawera and New Plymouth at a greater distance than ten miles. Beyond this the land was lying in a state of nature, inaccessible for want of roads, while the conditions of settlement were such as to debar settlers taking up land excepting in large areas. The result of Mr. McKenzie's administration is seen in the fact that the whole of tbe land, for a distance of 60 miles back from the railway, has been settled and roaded. Prosperous townships are rapidly springing up, and, in spite of many drawbacks, tbe want of metal for roads, etc., the settlers are prosperous and happy. The whole colony is feeling the beneficial efiects of a policy which has settled the problem of the unemployed and removed many difficulties characteristic of the stagnation which formerly everywhere prevailed. In several districts, in the South Island, and at Dannevirke, Pahiatua, the north of Auckland, and, indeed, whereever land was available, extensive settlement has also resulted from the progressive policy and liberal land laws introduced by Mr. McKenzie. Although so much has been done much remains to do, for the work to be brought to a standstill at this stage would be a very serious matter. This is where Mr. McKenzie's retirement, at this juncture, is so regrettable, for we fail to see how he is to be replaced. None of the men whose names have been mentioned as likelv successors to Mr, McKenzie have been eo identified with " Progressive Land Settlement" as to lead us to hope that Mr. McKenzie's policy will be maintained, without considerable fiiction and delay, which must prove hurtful to the welfare of the colony. In seeking rest and retirement from the worry and anxieties of official life, Mr. McKenzie is actuated by his high sense of duty, refusing to fill a position he feels his health will not allow him to give his whole attention to. It will be a great satisfaction to Mr. McKenzie to know that he takes with him the good wiehe3 for hu early restoration to health of the great majority of the people of New Zealand People of all shades of political opinion recognise that he has been thoroughly honest, both as a politician and as an administrator. His self-sacrificing labours and his earnest efforts to further the best interests of the colony have gained him the sympathy, respect and esteem of everyone, and tbe desire for his restoration to health to again take his place as one of the leading public men of the colony is widespread.