Manchester Block History

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 237, 7 October 1936, Page 3

Manchester Block History

STORY OF PURCHASE AND SETTLEMENT.

' Sixty-two years have passed since the largo area of land known as the Manchester Block, the chief town of which is Feilding, was purchased from the Government for private settlement by an English company known as the Emigrants’ and Colonists’ Aid Corporation, and we have now received from the pen of Mr T. A. Gibson, M.A., of Waituna, a comprehensive and compact history dealing with the negotiations for the purchase and settlement of tho land. Thanks to generous assistance from the Feilding Borough Council and the Oroua County Council, the two local authorities controlling the area, which was once more familiarly known as the Manchester B’lock,' tho publication of this interesting and authentic history was made possible and its preparation and final presentation in an enduring form is a matter for congratulation. The story of the origination of the settlement makes very interesting reading and Mr Gibson has obviously made a very searching study of the whole subject to produce this very valuable history, which, for tho first time, appears as a complete compilation. It is not generally known that tho settlement of the Manchester Block, by reason of the efficiency of the management and the success that attended the enteiprise, attracted the interest and admiration of many of the world’s greatest historians. The subject is alluded to with expressions of praise in many authoritative works of referenco and it is rather remarkable that'no one had previously thought of compiling a history of a settlement which commanded such widespread attention. •

Mr Gibson’s treatment of tho'task he set himself is calculated to promote every enthusiasm among readers. The story is. unfolded with a clear appreciation of all the factors concerned, in the launching of an undertaking which had for its purpose the purchase of 100,000 acres of virgin land and the setting up

of a prosperous settlement thereon. The reasons actuating this enterprise on the part of philanthropicallyminded citizens of the Old Country are clearly set forth, and thon follows the story of the negotiations with the Government of the day for the purchase of the area of land selected by Colone. the Hon. 11. W. A. Feilding. The history covers all of the negotiations between the corporation and the Government, and finally, treats of the birth of the' settlement and its immediate growth. The whole work is well printed in clear type and nicely bound and should find a place in every homo in Feilding and district. The Hon. J. G. Cobbe, member for Oroua, provides a foreword, in which he writes: “This book ■ should be of interest, not only to every settler in the Oroua, Manawatn and surrounding districts, but also to all tlioso who take an interest in the fascinating history of tho early settlement of the Dominion." The book was wholly set up and printed in Feilding and our copy comes to us from Messrs Carthew and Sons.