BIG SETTLEMENT SCHEME

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 269, 14 August 1928, Page 10

BIG SETTLEMENT SCHEME

8,000,000 ACRES INVOLVED WEST AUSTRALIAN PROPOSAL TO BRITISH GOVERNMENT Dominion Special Service. Auckland, August 13. After conferring with the British Government concerning a settlement scheme for Western Australia involving eight million acres and £4,500,000, the Hon. Alexander McCallum, Minister of Public Works for West Australia, is returning to the Commonwealth by the Niagara. “The scheme was viewed very favourably by the British authorities, and I have every confidence that it will be accepted by them,” Mr. McCallum stated. “The whole crux of the question is this: we have land with unlimited possibilities, and Great Britain has the people. Our State, with a population of only 400,000, is unable to finance a large immigration scheme, and the object of my visit to Britain was to secure support, which will amount to financial assistance if it is accepted.” Mr. McCallum said the possibilities of Western Australia had as yet only been scratched. Apart from the tract of 8,000,000 acres they had huge areas for development, chiefly suited for wheat-growing. If the scheme under review were adopted it was proposed to provide 1000-acre blocks at an average cost of from 12s. to 15s. per acre, the purchasers being given thirty years to pay. “The cost of such a scheme can be well appreciated when it is stated.that 400 miles of railway 6000 miles of roads will have to be constructed, in addition to schools, churches, post offices, etc.,” proceeded Mr. McCallum. “I have the greatest confidence in the future of our State. We have the largest tracts of undeveloped country in the world with what I consider the greatest possibilities.” Discussing the type of settlers that lie considered would make good, Mr. McCallum said he favoured miners. There were 300,000 of them unemployed in Great Britain, and he thought they would quickly adapt themselves to the new conditions. They were steady, hardy, and thrifty. “The first year or two will mean hard work and hard living,” added Mr. McCallum. “The country is so wonderfully productive, however, that a new-comer should be,well on his feet at the end of five years.” Dealing’with conditions abroad, Mr. McCallum stated that Great Britain had definitely turned the corner. He was particularly impressed with tire optimistic outlook of business men, who were looking to the future with every confidence. He also noticed that there was a decided and strong movement in favour of giving Dominion products preferential treatment.