THE PRIME MINISTER.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 84, 15 May 1914, Page 7

THE PRIME MINISTER.

LAND PURCHASED. Press Association. GISBORNE, May 14. In the course of his speech to-day at the civic welcome, . interesting "figures were quoted by the Prime Minister in connection with the subdivision of rural land in Hawke's Bay as a, result of the operation of the increased graduated land tax. During the 12 months ended March 31, 1914, he stated, a total area of 37,500 acres of freehold land was subdivided and disposed of. The number of subdivisions was 336, or an average of 111 acres per subdivision. Mr Massey ..added that the figures for other portions of the Dominion were not yet available.

Regarding the operations of the Land for Settlements Department, the following comparative return was read by the Prime Minister in his speech last evening, showing the area of privately owned land purchased by the Government during the last four years, and the amount expended in the acquisition of these lands:; — Years. Acres. Price. 1910-1911 . . 14,399 £158,796 1911-1912 .. 44,447 381,483 1912-1913 . . 52,098 428,044 1913-1914 .. 141,062 560,708 The Prime Minister stated that these figures were a conclusive answer to those who said the present Government were not pursuing a vigorous closer settlement policy. In addition, an area of 75,000 acres of Native land had been acquired during 1913-14, and the expenditure was £176,149. The area purchased for last year was ja class of land , suitable for settlement in small holdings, comprising such blocks as Porongahau, • Maun gain a ire, Taiioraiti, and Tiritu,