FORWARD MOVE

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXVII, Issue 4403, 10 June 1933, Page 5

FORWARD MOVE

DEVELOPMENT OF RANGITOTO DISTRICT.

CUTTING INTO SMALL FARMS When in Wellington this week Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P., had a lengthy interview with the Minister of Lands, Mr. A. E. Ransom, regarding the Rangitoto district, to the east of Te Kuiti, with a view of having the suitable Crown lands in that district cut up into small farms. Some months ago, Mr. A. H. Cockayne, Assistant Director of Agriculture, visited the Rangitoto district, and was most favourably impressed with the district as a location for a branch of a small farm scheme. Three weeks ago Mr. C. N. Campbell, Commissioner of the Small Farm Scheme, also visited Te Kuiti, and was take around the district by Mr. A. B. Jordan, district valuer. Mr. Campbell was also very much impressed with the possibilities of the Rangitoto district and the other surrounding districts, and forwarded a recommendation to the Small Farm Commission in Wellington. In order to facilitate matters Mr. Broadfoot went to Wellington and discussed the project of Rangitoto with the Minister of Lands, with the result that a promise was given that steps would be taken to deal with approximately 1000 acres. At noon to-day Mr. Broadfoot received a message from the Minister stating that orders had been issued for work to be started on the necessary roading of the property known as Wyatt’s, and which was acquired by the Government in 1929. This property comprises about 1800 acres, but for a start 1000 acres will be taken in hand and cut up into fifteen ot twenty farms. Further development of this and other properties may be taken in hand at a later date.

In the opinion of many practical farmers there is room for enormous development in the Rangitoto district. Most of the land is ploughable, and if the steep country can be brought under an afforestation scheme it will create in time a valuable asset and at the same time prevent the spread of noxious growths. In 1929 the Government bought between 3000 and 4000 acres of Maori land held under lease by European settlers, and the bulk of this can be cut up into small areas for close settlement, the present holdings being too large for lessees to profitably handle.

The start being made to open up this country is of immense importance to both town and district. The quality of the land is very much the same as in the Otorohanga district, but is heavier than the average Waikato land. The success of this Small Farm Scheme is likely to lead to further development in this district. The Rangitoto district is well roaded, though with the subdivisions more roads will be required, and it is proposed to start on these at once. That there will be a demand for the farms there is little doubt,’ as there is a large number of practical farmers on relief \Vorks in and around Te Kuiti.

No better proof can be given of the quality of the land than the stock taken from the Rangitoto district. The root crops are second to none, and maize, wheat and oats have been successfully grown.