Land Speculation in the Waikato

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 185, 4 May 1936, Page 13

Land Speculation in the Waikato

Sir, —From listening to the debates in the House of Parliament it would seem that the Prime Minister aud his party are becoming concerned with the threat of land speculation in tbe Waikato. I am writing this to assure these gentlemen that they are merely putting up a bogey and frightening themselves and the country with it. •i- '; •' ■ As one closely connected with land selling in the Waikato I can positively stare that the recent sales which have taken place are perfectly genuine. Even last year, when signs of better times appeared, a larger number of farms were sold in the Waikato than for a number of years. During the depression farmers sons aud other young men have grown to an age when they are capable of starting out’in life. They feel now that with a rising market for practically all farm produce, land can be obtained as cheaply as it will be in the future. These are the men who are buying, and apparently they are buying in the cheapest market. If speculations is taking place, why is it in the Waikato only? Lastly, why does tbe Government not divulge the fixed price for butter and lot these genuine young farmers have a positive basis to work out their costs oh? The end of July is too late —the new season has started by then. —I am, etc.. VALUER. Hamilton, May 1.