MINISTER OF LANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3064, 5 March 1892, Page 2

MINISTER OF LANDS.

SPEECH AT STRATFORD.

Bt TELEGRAPH. —PKK39 ASSOCIATION). Stratfoiid, Last N'ielit. Mk McKbnzib, Minister of Lands, addressed a meeting la«t night. Ho claimed that the recent changes ui'ide liy the Government were in the interest of the colnnv, and said the Hcare abnut tho ex >dti.s nf capital was groundless. He mentioned that the Government had effected retrenchment to the extent of £45,000, and the Government had had to find money f.T expenditure incurred by the previous Government*. In the Lmd 'Department he had savvd £8000 that was previously being spent in officialism. He claimed he had put m re people on the land during the past 10 months) than his predecessor had in any 12. It was, he stated, difficult to find good land, aod it would take half a million acres to meet all requirements. The laud question was the greatest of the time, and the Government would be prepared to bring down a scheme next session to get over the difficulty. The policy of the Government to further the welfare of the colony. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr McKenzie and confidence in the Government was carried unanimously. After the meeting the Minister received several local deputations, and seemed to give considerable satisfaction. Mr McKenzie left for the North this morning.