LAND SETTLEMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 111, 10 April 1929, Page 6

LAND SETTLEMENT.

TAUPO-ROTORUA DISTRICT. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 10. The Minister of Lands, Hon. G. W. Forbes, stated to-day with regard to land settlement that he was very pleased that the settlers were getting on their feet, but there were some, not many, who would require further assistance. He had asked the Crown Lands Commissioners to select areas of undeveloped Crown lands suitable for subdivision and to'' get the surveys made so that settlement could be proceeded with when Parliament approved of the necessary finance being provided. Until power was given, he could not legally assist settlers going on to unimproved bush sections. He was hoping that blocks of unimproved land suitable for group settlement would be found. The survey of a block of 20,000 acres in the Taupo-Rotorua distnce was now being made, and afterwards the area would be handed over to the Agricultural Department to lay down in grass. This would enable the settlers to got some return from the land from the beginning. The Minister said that too high prices were being asked for the purchase of privately owned land for closer settlement, and if there was no change of attitude on the part of the owners the Government would not hesitate to apply compulsion. The Minister has decided to set up immediately local land purchase boards, comprising the local Commissioner of Crown Lands and three other persons to be appointed by the Crown to deal with offers of all land to the Crown and to report whether it is advisable to purchase or otherwise. These boards are to review thoroughly the existing occupation of all suitable lands in their districts,, and waero expedient, approach the owners witn the view to acquisition by negotiation or by the compulsory clauses of the Act. The Minister said, that an opportunity would be afforded the owners to lodge objections to the board against compulsion. The objections would be forwarded to, the Dominion Land Purchase Board which would make a recommendation to the Minister. This procedure would preclude the possibility of any hardship being inflicted unwittingly.