IN THE BACK BLOCKS.

Evening Post, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 September 1900, Page 5

IN THE BACK BLOCKS.

♦ "Among the Bush Settlers" was the subject of an address delivered last evening by Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., before the members of the Wellington Social and Political League. Mr. Hogg quoted statistics showing the progress of settlement, and eulogised the Hon. W. Rolleston for originating the Village Settlement system. The late Mr. Ballance, when Minister of Lands, revived that system, and created a number of Special Settlements. One of these— the Mas-terton-Mangahao., now known as the BallancTß Settlement— had made the "fortunes of its settlers. It was the scene of a prosperous butter factory, and the land originally bought for £1 an" acre was worth £15 to £20 an acre. Parkville, near Eketahuna, called after Mr. G. M. Park, formerly postmaster and telegraphist at Masterton, was another prosperous settlement. These and a few other blocks were selected in 1886. In 1891 and the year following a^ number of other Special Set tlements were formed in the 'Wellington, Rangitikei, Manawatu, and Patea districts. Some of the original settlements under the deferred payment system, owing to the facilities affoided for dummy ism, were almost obliterated, but the more recent ones, selected on lease in perpetuity, could not be absorbed in this way. The lecturer illustrated his subject by describing the early difficulties and experiences of the village and special settlers, their homes, their achievements, their present position, and their prospects. In conclusion, he urged that the welfare of the Crown tenants should receive the attention of the State. To enable them to overcome their worst obstacles they needed a generous expenditure on roads and bridges, and liberal treatment at the hands of the Advances to Settlers Department. He spoke in glowing terms of the women who had faced the bush, and who clung even more tenaciously to their homes than did their husbands. After some complimentary remarks by one or two of the audience, a hearty vote of thanks was carried by acclamation, as was also a resolution "That in the opinion of this meeting it is the duty of the State to assist the bush settlers by an increased expenditure on roads and bridges." A hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Schoch for presiding concluded the meeting.