LAND SETTLEMENT LEAGUE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8471, 24 June 1907, Page 5

LAND SETTLEMENT LEAGUE.

DEPUTATION TO MR A. W. HOGG.. M.H.R.

Messrs R. Rigg, J. Mackay and A. K. Johnston, representing the

Masterton and District Land Settlement League, waited upon Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., on Friday afternoon, for the purpose.of bringing under his notice the objects of the League. They explained that the League would interest itself in everything that had for its object the welfare of the community generally. The speakers also brought under Mr Hogg's notice the League's attitude towards the a lourmillers' Trust, and informed him that a resolution had been passed at the last meeting of the League, against the rise*in the price of flour, and urging the Government to reduce the duty on imported flour. Mr Hogg was further asked why the Masterton district had been neglected in the matter of closer settlement, and why workers' homes had not already been established here? The representatives of the League also mentioned the question of establishing a State coal depot in Masterton, and pointed out the unfairness of duty being charged on imported coal, when it was sent inland, while consumers of coal in the city - did not have to bear the extra cost of duty. The carriage on coal over the railways was considered too'jhigh, and a reduction in freight charges was urged, as coal was a commodity that was in general use. Mr Hogg, in reply, approved of the general platform of the League, and said that it was his intention to bring before the House the. several subjects mentioned by the deputation. He considered that the Flourmillers' Trust was a matter of the greatest importance to the people of the cofesy, and in his opinion the recent rise in the price of flour had been unwarranted. With regard to closer settlement in Masterton Mr Hogg said that the delay had been caused through the owners of land in the district asking too high a price for their land. For the same reason there had been a delay in the matter of workers' homes.' Mr Hogg, however, reminded the deputation that a working man could, if he owned a section, borrow sufficient the Government at a cheap rate of interest with which to build a house on his section. Speaking on the subject of State coal for Masterton, Mr Hogg said that as long as jrfie State coal mines were run on the present principle, there would be little chance of having a State coal depot established in Masterton. He would like to see the State coal mines run on the same lines as those owned by private companies in the matter of regular steamer service for distribution. He agreed with the deputation that the freight on coat, over the railways should be reduced, and considered it altogether unfair that country consumers should have to pay duty on imported coal when those in the city did not. He went on to say that the iiariff was at present being revised, and would form one of the subjects of debate during the coming session of Parliament. He had no doubt that there would be a considerable alteration made in the tariff on the necessaries of life. In conclusion he said he would be pleased to do his best to assist the League in connection with any new resolutions passed by it. The deputation thanked Mr Hogg for his information, which it was considered would be of value to the League, and withdrew.