SOLDIERS’ FARMS: STATE ACQUIRES 607,500 ACRES

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1947, Page 6

SOLDIERS’ FARMS: STATE ACQUIRES 607,500 ACRES

The Government had acquired 607,500 acres of land for the settlement o f ex-servicemen of the Second World War up to the end of February. This was announced by the Minister of Rehabilitation, Mr Skinner, who added that during February alone the Government acquired 19,166 acres, which would be capable of subdivision into 37 farming units for returned men. The Minister explained that the total of 607,500 acres was made up as follows: —Acquired under the provisions of the Small Farms Act, 272,749 acres; taken under part two ol the Land. Sales Act, 35,580 acres; taken under section 51 of the Land Sales Act, 85,213 acres; held by the Lands and Survey Department for ex-ser-vicemen’s settlement, 214,000 acres. The largest of the properties to be acquired recently was one of 6400 acres belonging to the estate of the late Mr W. E. Harris. The property is about 22 miles from Gisborne. It will be divided into seven sheep farms. Another large property, is one of 3200 acres about 18 miles north-west of Taihape. It was the property of Mrs E. H. Studholme and will be divided into six sheep farms. Another property near Taihape which has been purchased is one of 2320 acres belonging to Mr T. C. Lowry. It will be subdivided into fhree sheep units.