MR. HINE'S CHARGES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 114, 22 August 1910, Page 3

MR. HINE'S CHARGES.

To the Editor. Sir—The thanks of the settlers of Taranaki especially and. the Dominion in general are due to Messrs 'Heslop and J., Mcduggage in exposing the doubtful methods of obtaining fame and notoriety adopted 'by Mr. iline, M.P. for Stratford. I have lived nearly a quarter of a century in Taranaki alone, and 'have made applications for land in the Auckland, Wellington and Taranaki districts and have been successful, and I must here record my conviction that the desire to meet the wishes of applicants is emphatic with all three Boards. I am also of the opinion that the present ballot system is not only fair and just to all parties, but absolutely the best. Mr. Hine and ihis party are desirous for a change in 'the system of application. They want the tender system, by which only the man with, money could get a chance. He now/makes a statement that the poor man cannot get a chance he instances two friends of his who had £SOO between them. Well, all I wish to that every "poor man" had £230 if that is the qualification of poverty. It is simply marvellous .how the Opposition, or grumbling party in this Dominion show their hand when it suits ti.sm to take advantage of the many beneficial schemes inaugurated by the present Liberal Administration for the relief oi the poor man and struggling settler. One has only to reflect and. see what strenuous efforts the Opposition made to kill the Advances to Settlers Bill, and when it became law what strenuous efforts the Oppositionists made to get the lion share of the benefits showered upon the country 'by the Act. I am of opinion that they should change their name from Oppositions to Vandals and Huns. Ihe present session especially they have earned a very dubious reputation for publicity by making unfounded charges, amongst them being one against a body j of men such as our Land Boards are com-1 posed of—men who have been through the mill of pioneering, who know the requirements of the settlers in general, and who do "their duty and their best, for the advancement of the country—and the charge laid against them by Mr. J. B. Hine is unfair, unjust and uncalled for ,and I am pleased to see that Messrs J. Heslop and J. McCluggage are determined to call down the member to substantiate the allegation. They have the best wishes of the genuine settlers and' working men of this province.—i am, etC '' TARANAKI SETTLER.