WAIMEA SETTLERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 272, 15 October 1927, Page 8

WAIMEA SETTLERS.

TALK OF ABANDONED FARMS. POSITION MUCH EXAGGERATED. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Mr Hudson (Motueka) asked tho Minister of Lands in the Houso of Representatives this afternoon if he had seen a telegram in which it was reported that Mr James Pagan had stated at an executive committee meeting of the Nelson Provincial Farmers’ Union that 97 settlers had abandoned their farms in Waimea County since January last. The Minister, in reply, said that his attention had been drawn to the telegram, but liis records went to show that Mr Pagan’s statement was quite contrary to fact. Information received from the Nelson Land Board showed that not 97, but only one settler had abandoned Iris .farm in that area in the period stated. It had been recognised by himself and by his department that in the area referred to they had had difficulty in settling soldiers. Some 10 years ago there had been a total forfeiture and abandonment of 77 sections, but that applied not only, to soldiers, but to civilians who had been settled in the district for a number of years. Generally speaking, the position had been me; satisfactorily by the department, as a number of letters received, thanking it for tho way the settlers’ difficulties had been met, proved. A considerable amount of difficulty in tire Waimea area had arisen through men. entirely unfitted for farming, who failed to be directed in any way by. liis department.'