THE SETTLEMENT OF THE PLAINS.
TO THE EDITOR OP THE STAR.
Sir, — The Waimate Plains appear to be coveted by more than Te Whiti. "What with the Armed Constabulary plan, and the deputations of agitators in Wellington, to say nothing of the ■" Opposition," the Ministry must wish the Waimate Plains at the bottom of the sea. I would strongly n commend the Government to give the land to the first body of persons that would undertake to occupy it ; and then they would not have to supply boots to the A.C.'s when they went to work on the roads. The A.C. plan was not a bad one — rather nice for the officers and sergeants j but what claim they have more than any other body of individuals is more than the general public can understand. There is no doubt that they are now on the Plains, Teady to b& made targets of, at Te Whiti's pleasure; but then they get paid for it at a much better rate of pay than many who have to do heavier work. Besides, how many of them are the proper class to become good settlers? Would it not be like the old military settler system? How many of them own land now in this district ? — Scarcely a dozen. Would it not be the same with the A.C.'s ? They would only stay on the land till they could get the Crown grants, and then they would 3ell it and leave the country, and perchance laugh at the Government for giving them land for half what it was worth.
If the Government want to get the Plains occupied with lona fide settlers, let them put the land up for selection on deferred payment, in blocks of not more than 100 acres each, i«nd let the residential clause be strictly enforced. There are hundreds of men in the district that would jump at the chauce, and would only be too glad to form themselves into volunteer corps for their own protection ; and to assist them the Government might build a few blockhouses for defence purposes, if necessary. This would be a great saving to the Government, and the Plains would be as safe as they now are, with the gallant A.C.'s drawing some thousands per month — not to say anything about shoe leather. — 1 am, &c,
Civilian.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/HNS18800609.2.18.1
Bibliographic details
Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 17, 9 June 1880, Page 4
Word Count
390THE SETTLEMENT OF THE PLAINS. Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 17, 9 June 1880, Page 4
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