IMPROVING LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 118, 21 May 1931, Page 9

IMPROVING LAND.

« S DEVELOPMENT BOARD WCRK.j OVER £300.CC0 IN AI>VAJfC£S. [ j CLEARING OF VARIOUS BLOCKS. i To date the Lands DeveKmnient Board i

ha« authorised £210,000 for the survey i and development of varioHs blocks ui [ Crown and settlement land-, exclusive j of £93,700 advanced to settler* already: holding unimprolfed area-. In making the foregoing announcement in an interview this morning, the l Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Lands.] said that the board had just completed a i meeting at which various matters! affecting the development of Crown lands had received attention. Proposals for the development of the Mangatutu block, of 1944 acres, situated near Otorohanga. were dealt with, and funds wore authorised for clearing, ploughing, and grassing an area of 50 acres of each oi the six sections into which the block would be subdivided. The Hautapu block, of 022 acres, near Taihape. was classed as undeveloped land with a view t>) advances for development purpose* beiiiu made toi the successful applicants. "The Hautapu block.' , said the Minister, "has been subdivided into four farms, and the ballot will be held towards the end of the month. Dairying will be carried on on the flats, and sheep will be run on the hills. "Tenders are being called for cutting scrub on portion of the Kakariki e*=tat<?, Mohaka district, for which work the necesearv fund* have been authorised.

"Estimates for felling contract? and other work on the Ngamahanga block, also in the Mohaka district, were considered, and an early start will be mado with this work.

"A scheme of partial development of the Galatea estate was approved, and funds authorised to commence the work, which will consist of clearing, cultivation, fencing, and general development."

The Minister said that further loans to settlers holding undeveloped sections of Crown land, were approved, bringing the total advance* approved up to the sum of £93,700.

The purchase was approve*! of young stock for the purpose of keeping the pastures in order on the Te Kauwbata block, and also for the Xgakuru Xα. 1 block.