THE FEILDING SETTLEMENT.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1819, 4 June 1874, Page 4

THE FEILDING SETTLEMENT.

The Wellington Independent says : — From the account given by a recent visitor to the scenes of this important practical settlement of immigrants in a new country, which has proved so successful, a few particulars may not be uninteresting to intending immigrants, as showing the care with which they are treated, and the prospects held out by them. The Manchester Block was secured by Colonel Feilding, the agent of an association formed in England by some eminent men, for the relief of the hard-pressed working classes, and the development of the resources of the colonies, as a means of lightening the pressure, on very favourable terms from the Government of New Zealand, and no time was lost in setting about the establishment of a model settlement for immigrants. The block with the township of Feilding in its centre is about twenty miles by eight, well watered by a river and several streams ; area, 106,000 acres, and 12,000 open land, the remainder bush, mostly so light as to afford no obstacle to clearing and cultivation. Where it is thick it is composed of totara and matai, very valuable woods, easily obtained, which are in large demand, and for which two main lines of railway, which will unite near the block, will afford ready means of conveyance. It is now being opened up by roads and tramways running all over it, along which the timber can be carried ; and houses are being built in several other townships, which are marked off along these roads. A steam saw-mill will soon be in operation, and an unlimited number of sawyers can always find profitable and continuous work. The block is all land of the very finest alluvial quality, sheltered from the high wind, and remarkably suited for the growth of cereals, hops, &c., and for stock grazing. Originally purchased at less than 15s an acre, by bill bearing interest over a term of years, the land is now selling at over L 2 cash, so fertile has it proved. The General Government, on condition that 2000 immigrants should be introduced in five years, undertook to provide 200 men with employment on the public works within ten miles of the township at good wages, and to grant free passages. The immigrants are conveyed from their homes in Great Britain to the township on the plains of flew Zealand, and with all provisions, necessaries, and medical attendance, absolutely free of expense. They have no trouble at landing. They are met by agents, and are lodged in comfortable barracks until they can be conveyed to their destination, and everything is arranged smoothly for them. Even after reaching the settlement no outlay is expected from them, all tools and necessaries being supplied at once very cheap, and debited against future earnings. After arrival, the immigrants may select an acre of land in the township, on which a house is at once built for him, which by small weekly payments, becomes, after three years, his own freehold property. After six month's work on the township and public works, to inure him to the mode of life in a new country, he has the option of seclecting from twenty to one hundred acres of splendid farm land, at a rent of only 2s 6d an acre, with right of purchase at the end of seven years; so that for a very small sum, extended over a long term of years, he will have a valuable freehold property. There are now about 250 immigrants on the block engaged in the timber trade, which is very large and very profitable, on the public works, or in agriculture, all earning nearly as many shillings as they did pence at home, and thoroughly content with their cheap and comfortable houses. A shipment lately came in, one and all of whom, expressed themselves eminently satisfied at the liberal terms upon which they were received, and the road to a thriving prosperity which they saw lay patent to all who are willing to be , nduitrious. I