SOLDIERS' FARMS.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 251, 22 October 1919, Page 15

SOLDIERS' FARMS.

ON _______ PLAINS. !Fo_Tt , l__s THOUSAND ACRES. THREE THOUSAND ACRES READY. 03y Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELDINGTOSr, Tuesday. Mr. H. Poland asked the Minister of Lands to-day if he could say when any of the Hauraki Plains area would be opened for selection by returned soldiers. The member pointed out that no portion of this area had '"been opened since March, 1015. The Hon. Mr. Guthrie replied that there were 3000 acres ready for occupation now and there would he no delay in opening this land, the idci, being to enable soldiers to get on it in time for next season's work. season there would be another 3000 acres opened, and the year after that a further 6000 acres. One of the principal reasons why the 3000 acres now ready were not available for selection as early as was anticipated, was the failure of the land to settle down as quickly after draining as it was thought it would. The Department had also 'boug-ht the Oringa estate of 3100 acres, of which "between 400 and 500 acres would have to be improved, while another area was ready /or immediate occupation. The third portion of the estate would not be reajly for occupation until the stop banks were completed.