LAND-HUNGRY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 643, 21 October 1909, Page 5

LAND-HUNGRY.

- (By Telegraph—Special. CorresDondeDtJ ' • ' .Auckland,' October 20.', The outstanding feature in connection with tho recent land ballot at-Te Akau is that 425 persons only, tod eager to tako up and settle on sections had to go away disappointed, says tho "Herald" this morning.' All tho specious excuses of,tho "Taihoa" Government put together cannot alter that 'incontrovertible fact:' It is not to bo supposed for a moment that those 425 land-seekers' ; aro tho only, ones desirous of settling oh the land. Thero aro others, probably thousands instead of hundreds, and it is sbeer absurdity to argue that these pooplo, will be supplied with areas in time. Most of them will be grey headed; manyvof' them will have departed to other countries before that mythical time arrives. Tho Government persists in a policy of locking up . the land and squeezing out the settlers who are begging for it to be opened. Tho Prime Minister has promised us, a pronouncement on.-the land question this session.. Let us hope it will indicate a reform and that the stupidity and blundering" obstinacy, of the'present system is about to be replaced by vigorous, and . earnest endeavour to supply/every aero, of land for, which there is a; legitimate demand by settlers. ; '• - r . .