CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 51, 1 March 1909, Page 8

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

CEy Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Saturday.

A deputation from the Cheltenham district, introduced by Mr Guthrie, M.P., waited on the Prime Minister yesterday' with a request that the Government should acquire the Riddiford Estate, adjoining the Cheltenham dairy factory. It was urged that if the property, consisting of 1700 acres, was cut up it could be reduced to farms of from 25 to 100 acres, and that the milk supply to the factory, and therefore to the Dominion, would be very greatly increased, to the benefit of the country as a whole. The Prime Minister, in reply, said he was anxious to assist in the acquisition of estates for closer settlement, particularly those which could be cut up into small areas. This particular property recommended itself in that respect. The Government had had negotiations witn Mr Riddiford, but hitherto had not been able to come to terms. If a reasonable price was. arrived at, he was favourable to acquiring the property.

The Prime Minister added that he knew that in some cases landowners had had their property rated at an abnormal value with a view to preventing the acquisition of the estate by the Government, nnrl if it was found that tfie progress of land settlement was thereby affected the Government would have to bring in an amendment of the law. so as fo prevent an undue price being demanded.