ROTORUA LAND

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 93, 30 January 1934, Page 8

ROTORUA LAND

INSPECTION OF BLOCKS.

MINISTER'S SATISFACTION. (Per Press Association). ROTORUA, January 29. The Minister of Lands (the Hon. E. A. Ransom) concluded an official visit to the development blocks in the Rotorua- district to-day, making an inspection of Ngakuru this morning, despite heavy rain. Reviewing his inspection of various blocks, Mr Ransom said that satisfactory progress was being made at Galatea, and it was anticipated that 23 sections of from 100 to 150 acres each would be opened about April. A gravitation water supply was being provided from the Mangamate River. Tenders had been let for the erection of ten cottages, and nearly all the sections for allotment had been fenced, and some subdivision! fences had been erected. Wool from the estate for the year had brought £38,000, and some 8000 surplus sheep were being sold. The Murupara block of 2120 acres, adjoining Galatea, was being opened under the small farm scheme, the Unemployment Board doing the work of the Small Farms Board and supplying the capital. So far 20 acres had been

laid down in grass and 10 acres of turnips, and 700 acres had been ploughed. Cottages and sheds were being erected. Men engaged on the work would be given preference in the selection in a few months. Satisfactory progress was also being made with 1000 acres given to the Government by Mr Earl Vaile, to be settled on the same basis 'as. Murupara. Suitable men on the job would be given preference. On this block, 300 acres had been cleared, 120 acres ploughed, 60 chains of fencing had been erected, and two miles of shelter belts planted. The Minister has great hopes of the block proving a success. The Ngakuxu block was found.to be in excellent condition, i