THE MATAMATA RECORD. THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1930. DILLY AND DALLY.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1111, 3 April 1930, Page 4

THE MATAMATA RECORD. THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 1930. DILLY AND DALLY.

THE facts in connection with the offer of Matamata farm lands to the Government for closer settlement purposes, which we give in another column, make surprising reading. After nearly nine months of delay, during which time very little was heard from the Government, a definite reply has been secured as the result of the intervention of the Minister of Health. In view of the professed intentions of the Minister of Lands to prosecute a closer settlement policy with vigour, the extraordinary delay mentioned only serves to show that the Minister’s assertions carry little weight, and that Messieurs Dilly and Dally are in full charge of the Lands Department, and can only be roused to activity by determined outside influence.

While there is no excuse for the exasperating dilatoriness of the Lands Department there is of course room for difference of opinion in regard to the variance in price. Nevertheless we are confident that the over-whelming majority of those in a position to express an unbiassed opinion on the matter 'will agree with us that here again the Government has blundered. Proof of this is found in the fact that already one of the blocks has been practically

disposed of —thirteen sections have been sold cut of eighteen —to local buyers. With these facts in mind it seems patent that for some reason or other Matamata land is not looked upon favourably by the Lands Department and this is a point which should not be overlooked locally. Quite recently a member of the House demanded that a certain permanent official should be replaced, and it would appear that this also applies to another Department.