POLITICAL NEWS ACTING-PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 6, 1 July 1911, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS

ACTING-PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

By TeJ«gMfk.--*MM Associate. Invercargill, Last Night. Sir James Carroll, accompanied by the Hon. Dr. Ngata, returned to-day from the western district of Southland, and to-night Sir James Carroll addressed a large audience in the Municipal Theatre, when he was given a most cordial reception. His speech consisted entirely of an exposition of the native land legislation and of a defence of the Government's borrowing policy, the latter on lines already made familiar by other touring Ministers. He explained that his special mission was to prevent any misapprehension in the minds of tie public due to the remarks concerning unoccupied native lands referred to by Mr. Masscy on his recent tour in Southland.

Sir James Carroll explained in detail the significance of the legislation affecting Maori lands since the present Ministry came into power,' and said ho had already flatly contradicted the statements made by Mr. Massey as to the extent of the unoccupied native lands, and was still waiting for Mr. Massey'* reply. Mr. Massey's allegations regarding both sides of unoccupied areas and the danger of native landlordism weare referred to as "a tissue of misstatements." Mr. Massey had on two different occasions stated that there were six million acres and four million acres respectively of native lande unoccupied. Both the statements were absolutely wrong. Of six million acres owned by Maoris in the North Island, practically four millions were in profitable occupation, leaving a balance of two million acres of unoccupied native lands, and of this balance more than one million acres were vested in the public and other trustees. The land was incorporated for settlement or was invested in land boards for lease. Sir James Carroll declared that Mr. Herries wa» the only member of the Opposition who knew anything about native affairs, and had never been guilty of the false criticism levelled by Messrs Massey, Allen, and Herdman.

The Hon. Ngata also spoke, and was given a warm reception. The speakers were accorded a vote of thanks. The Acting-Premier's party leaves to-morrow for Gore, where Sir James Carroll speaks in the evening. He goes to Duncdin on Monday and speaks there on Tuesday,