A BIG SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 858, 2 July 1910, Page 5

A BIG SCHEME

THIRTY THOUSAND SETTLERS WANTED. Interviewed in London recently, Sir John Taverner, Agent-General for Victoria, said of his State's new irrigation scheme: — "Briefly stated, our aim is to attract something like 30,000 Rrilish settlers to Victoria within the next few years; and Mr Mackenzie is bringing with him the plans and full particulars of certain lands which lie will offer for absolute disposal to people in tbo United Kingdom and Ireland. All the land wo are offering is within 150 miles of the port of Melbourne, and wo purpose grouping the settlers in batchoti or communities. Fo-r the convenience of tho farmers, special allotments will be set apart for labourers and their families—and the bigger the family, the hotter for our purpose. These farm, labourers will be able to get work in the district for a portion of the year, and for the remainder of the time will turn Hieir attention to their own holdings."

Sir John Taverner proceeded, to explain that the Government of Victoria would agree to advance SO per cent, of the British emigrants' nassage money. "But tho most striking feature of this scheme," he said, "is the fact that- Mr. Mackenzie • will bo able to discharge the functions of his- office- as Minister for Lands just as though he were at homo. By the help of the plans he. will demonstrate the advantages of the lands available, and then will cell . the desired acres. The plans and particulars will indicate the size of the allotments, tho nature of the soil, the water supply, railway facilities, and the provision of schools and creameries. The land will be granted upon a purchase scheme extending over 311 years, and the passage moiley repayments can extend over five years." "