"PEOPLE THE LAND!"

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 19, 23 January 1929, Page 10

"PEOPLE THE LAND!"

AN EMPHATIC MANDATE.

SUPPORT FOR NEW POLICY.

LANDS MINISTER APPRECIATIVE.

The great value of the co-operation and support of townsmen in the prosecution of a vigorous land settlement policy, was emphasised by the Minister of Lands and Agriculture (Hon. G. W. Forbes) yesterday afternoon, at a reception accorded him by supporters of the United party.

Criticism had been levelled at the Xew Zealand 1-••••! Settlement and Development league because its membership was- largely composed of men who l»\ed in towns. However, Mr. Forbes regarded this organisation, and the movement which it had commenced, as of the utmost importance. Away back in the days of John Mackenzie, Mr. Forbes had supported the Liberal land policy, and in those days the men in the towns had put all their weight behind the Government. The townsmen were great supporters of the Liberal land policy which had done so much for Xew Zealand. Personally, Mr. Forbes looked to the townsmen for assistance, which was most valuable, despite what might be said by critics. (Applause.) Long Experience of Problems. "I have followed the question of land settlement in this country for the past 25 years." continued the Minister, "and I think I can claim to know something about the Dominion's problems. Over 25 years ago I toured New Zealand with a committee which took evdience right through the country. I have been a member of the Lands Committee of the House of Representatives for the greater part of my political lifetime, and have had questions relating to settlement continually before me. In addition, I have been a lifelong Crown tenant, and have done my share in connection with the land legislation of this Dominion. This experience gives me a thorough knowledge of our problems before I am fairly started."

It was essential that land settlement on a small farm basis be accelerated as soon as possible. Substantial pro Stress in the development of the farming lands must be made if the Government was to keep faith with the people. It was his intention to obtain accurate information as to the areas of land

available, and, immediately afterward!, to go to Sir Joseph Ward and infom him what sums of money were lequlrei to people such land. "I can only bops that the Prime Minister will not get too big a shock when he hears tki amount required," added Mr. Forbss with a smile. The Minister believed, however, that Sir Joseph Ward fußy realised that the land question was one which New Zealanders were determined should be settled. Something better thin the Reform policy was demanded. (Applause.) Roads and Money Essential. 'It is generally admitted that the land question was one of the factors which vitally affected the result at tie general election last year," continued Mr. Forbes. "We have a mandate from the people, and that mandate must he carried out at all costs. Good metal roads are essential, if the settler is to get fertilisers onto his land at anything like a reasonable cost. Also, there must be financial assistance at the start, so as to give every new settler a fair opportunity to get on his feet." There was a greater area of undeveloped land within the Auckland province— especially in the southern portion —than in any other part of New Zealand, asserted the Minister. Within the W«tomo county there was undeveloped land which offered great possibilities. Many difficulties of past years could be OTe s* come by the application of scientine methods. Top dressing solved many problems. Hundreds of thousands ©* acres could be brought into development and could carry a very large number of people. A gratifying aspect of the question was that large areas of C* o * o land would be available. This land would be placed under settlement and brought into production with the utmost dispatch. Because the late Government had sat down in a spirit of complacency, leaving the land problem unsolved, this Crown land was lying idle, and the new Administration must see to it that » carried settlers at an early date. Settlers of the right type—men of e mination, not afraid of work—wouß be given a chance on this land. After sixteen years in the political wilderness it was good, said Mr. Forbes, that the tables should be reversed. (Applause.) Thousands of peop» throughout New Zealand to see something done in a practical fashion, along the lines of increasing the number of people on the land. As far as he weS concerned nothing would be left undone to carry out the emphatic mandate of the people, given at the general electlP* (Applause.)