VIGOROUS LAND POLICY

Evening Star, Issue 20055, 21 December 1928, Page 4

VIGOROUS LAND POLICY

STATEMENT BY MINISTER [Special to the ‘ Star.’] WELLINGTON, December 21. in line will) the vigorous policy in connection with the Railways and State .Advances, a prompt acceleration of land settlement was indicated by tho .Bon, G. W. Forbes (Minister of Lands) when questioned to-day. “My intention,” replied the Minister, “ is, when the holiday season is over, to convene a conference of the Commissioners of Crown Lands of all land districts in the dominion, and to discuss with them the most effective means of bringing about .settlement of the available lands in the hands of the Crown. The question of abandoned farms, of which there arc a considerable number on tho books of the department. will bo thoroughly gone into. Wherever necessary values will be readjusted. so as to make them attractive propositions to those seeking farming land.” Tho possibility of developing the pumice lands and undeveloped areas in various parts of the dominion will be examined, with a view to putting in hand schemes for their profitable settlement. In connection with this, I intend, during the next, few months, to examine these areas, discuss tho problems on the spot, and arrange if possible, for the necessary developmental worlc to bo commenced promptly. This should enable employment to be found for a. considerable mini her of men, and in some measure help to relieve the unemployment difficulty.” Asked regarding the possibility of tho purchase of improved land for closer settlement, tho Minister .stated; “ I am instructing my officers throughout the dominion to furnish a report as to suitable land available, and on receipt of that information measures will bo taken to acquire areas in various parts of tiic dominion to suit tho demand for land of that description. Tims I hope, by tho time that Parliament meets to be able to show some improvement in tho position of land settlement in the dominion.