THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2097, 24 January 1908, Page 3

THE MINISTER FOR LANDS.

MR. McNAB LEAVES FOR THE

NORTH

-Soon by a- “Times” -representative, prior to his departure North yesterday morning, Mr. MeNnb voiced the great pleasure it had given him tohave had tho opportunity to visit Gisborne ami moot local- citizens. Outlie subject of a public address, ho said ho would have boon quite willing lo give one, had lie been requested lo do so, hut -smilingly 'declared that it was scarcely his placo to make tho suggestion, and 1 lie had quite enough of that sort of tiling without seeking it. He had been delighted to meet- Gisborne residents, but as head, of two Government departments that hud to do-chiefly with the man on the land, ho had been disappointed -in not mooting some of the tanners. It -appeared to him that the professional element had- preponderated in- the deputations that waited on him, whorons nothing pleased’ him more than to get in direct touch with the man whose interests lie represented, namely, tho producer. Referring to the railway league deputation, whoso hearing li-.ul been- cut short, lie pointed out that lie was in no wise responsible for the curtailment of the speeches. Ho had ample time while in Gisborne to -hear the various deputations, ami if necessary considered it his duty to receive such up till any hour. The railway league lie •looked upon as dealing with, the most important subject of -ill he had discussed with local deputations, as upon it all the others hinged, and ho was certainly prepared to listen to all that could have been, brought forward on that head. The Minister and party left- by the morning train yesterday for Pulm, and then went forward by horseback to the Until. He was to meet the Motu branch of the Farmers’ Union last night, and was to receive one or two deputations. To-day lie is to proceed to Opotiki.