LAND BILL CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 9 May 1907, Page 2

LAND BILL CAMPAIGN.

Tor Press Association.

Clirislchurch, liny S.

.Mr. \V. I'. Massey, M.I 1.1!., Leader of tin 1 Opposition, visited Cheviot yesterilii.v Ml the iiivitiUiou of a number of llii' setilers in thai district, lie was ini'l at Domett by Messrs. 'l'. Miekle, c-liuir-man of (lie Cheviot County Council, ami Nimlli, president of tin' Cheviot Settlers' Association, and a niimliei' of representative settlers, and spent the afternoon driving round the district, hi the eveniii", Mr. Massey delivered an address at the Town Hall. The meeting was the largest that has ever been hehl at Chevinl, the hall being crowded. Mr. Masscy's address was devoted ehielly to the hand jlill question, lie had an enthusiastic reception, and the keenest interest was manifested in his speech from start to linish. His address was on the lines of previous speeches delivered bv him during the past recess. At the close of tin- address, the following motion was proposed, and seconded:—"That this meeting accords a hearty vote of thanks lo Mr. Massey for his statesmanlike address, and is of opinion that the optional

system of tenure is the most satisfactory method of settling the people upon the land." A amendment was moved that "The meeting thanks Mr Massey for his address, ami expresses ils entire eonlidence in the present (lovernmenl's liberal land policy." The motion was carried by a large majority, amidst much excitement and enthusiasm. In returning thanks, Jlr Massey said there was a tremendous light approaching on the question of freehold and leasehold. He could give the audience (his assurance, that the Land Bill of the Government was not going lo l>c passed into law so long as he remained a member of Parliament. (Loud applause.) He was not speaking egotistically or boastingly, but they would have to dispel him before the Bill passed into law, and he would never vest, and those working with him would never rest, until every settler on the land of the Crown had the right of option of purchase. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Massey returned to Wellington to-night. •