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Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 53, 26 November 1928, Page 17

A land agent, in conversation with a Timaru “Herald” reporter, expressed the opinion that sufficient had not been heard of the group settlement scheme for which the Government had made provision last session. It seemed to him that this was an excellent way by which the land could be more closely and more protfitably settled in New Zealand, in his opinion it would be a mistake to put men on holdings Which were too small to produce an adequate living; 50 acres would be the minimum size of each man’s block. At the present time, the agent said, he was endeavouring to form a syndicate to take up a block of good agricultural land under the jfroup settlement scheme, and at the price the land was available, the prospective settlers should do well on it. Conditions now were not like those of the boom period, when land could not be bought at its producing value.

American criticism —and English praise—of New Zealand hotels has aroused a good deal of interest during recent weeks, and the topic of hotel equipment is very much to the fore. The latest on the subject comes from Air. H. IL Mackenzie, chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, who is now in Europe (remarks the “Auckland Star"). In a letter from Loudon lie describes the accommodation at the. Esplanade Hotel, Berlin, which, he says, beats anything he has ever struck on his travels. Mr. Mackenzie’s description of his hotel bedroom reads as follows: —“Double doors off the passage, clock thermometer, all bells required. wardrobe 7ft. Gin. by 7ft. Gin., all glass iu front, stands for portable reading lamps alongside bed, sofa, armchair, three ehairs, brass overcoat and umbrella stand, six hangers, splendidly-fitted dressing table, also writing and another table, portable lamps, double French windows and another window to balcony, telephone: bathroom attached, double doors, semimarble floors and walls, bath good, two elaborate wash basins, shaving table with adjustable mirror, huge mirror in front of wash basins, the.’mometer ou wall and one for bath, hose spray to adjust to tap. bell buttons to call valet or waiter while in bath, lavatory, ventilator adjustable in roof, keeper on each floor, boys to open all doors; really wonderful service, and they ask you to make use of it for anything required; also splendid garden attached, with hand playing, with plenty of the staff speaking English. All tips are on the bill, and no more need be given.”