SETTLEMENT LANDS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 30, 5 February 1930, Page 12

SETTLEMENT LANDS

A NEW PUECHASE

WILDEN ESTATE IN OTAGO

Negotiations have been completed by the Government for the purchase, at a price which is not yet announced, of the Wilden Estate of about 24,000 acres near Heriot, Otago, for closer settlement. The property was formerly owned by Mr. E. L. Acton-Adams, and comprises 15,174 acres of freehold land and 8890 acres held under pastoral licence.

In announcing the Government's intention to . subdivide the newlyacquired property to the best advantage, the Minister of Lands (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) states that it is one of the finest of its kind offered to the Government for. settlement. It is firstclass grazing country, and a large proportion of it is suitable for cropping. Agriculture has been carried on in tho past up to a height of 2000 ft above sea level. Tho stock carried prior to the purchase by the Government was 18,340 ewes, 4320 dry sheep, and '340 cattle. SUBDIVISION PROPOSALS. The Minister intimated that it is proposed to cut the 24,000 acres into from twelve to fourteen subdivisions. It is expected that the subdivisional surveys will be sufficiently advanced to enable applications if or selection to be received and a ballot held in the second week in April. Following the ballot, the late owner will hold a clear' ance sale of his stock, which will give successful selectors an opportunity of stocking their farms with sheep accustomed to the country. The present stock includes 17,000 Corriedale ewes of high quality. "Tho Wilden wool clip," said Mr. Forbes, "has held pride of place for years, both in'the Dominion and London markets. Wilden has been well handled, and is in excellent condition and heart. I expect the property to be sought after, as it is years since such an opportunity has been before the public." The Minister stated that the Gov-, ernment has now purchased under the land for settlements legislation properties aggregating 50,000 acres, providing 125 additional holdings, a number of which have already been allocated.