"A REVELATION”

Northern Advocate, 19 April 1933, Page 7

"A REVELATION”

NORTHLAND POSSIBILITIES FUTURE DEVELOPMENT SCOPE. PROSPECTS VERY HOPEFUL. (Special to “Northern Advocate.”' KAITAIA, Tlus Day.

The prospects of Northland for the future are regarded by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, as being more hopeful than those of any other part of New Zealand, and to a deputation from the Whangaroa County Council yesterday he said that the Nortu lent itself, peculiarly to the small-farm scheme.

Accompanied by the Minister of Education, the Hon, R. Masters, Mr Ransom covered a lot of ground yesterday. After leaving Russell in the morning, they met Mr H. M. Rushworth, M.P.,' near Kerikeri, and paid a visit to the settlement, viewing the citrus and passion fruit plantation. A deputation from the Hay of Islands Ratepayers’ Association met them there and strongly urged derating. Only a small number of settlers were paying, it was stated, and they found they had only a small equity in the land. It was contended that none would be able to pay in a short time. Many were in the position that they could not buy fertilisers and pay rates as well, and they had to have fertilisers to keep the land in production. It was suggested that the petrol tax should be used to relieve settlers.

The majority of cars on the road, paid Mr Ransom, were those of dealers, stock agents and others whose business was with the farmer, so that in the end the land would have to bear a large part of the tax. The development of the North had been made possible by road improvement.

Omakutu Area. \ A suggestion that the Government should take the Omahutu forest land, which, with an adjoining block, making 3000 acres, would be suitable for settling 15 men with little expense and the certainty of making good, was made by Mr W. H. Lane, chairman of the VVhaugaroa County Council. The department, he said, had stated that the working off of the timber would be a difficulty, but it was almost useless for commercial purposes. In the district were many suitable men, who could not live on relief pay, and Mr Lane said they would establisn themselves if the money were used us sustenance while they prepared the land.

He asked for special legislation to enable the county to spread the special rate on the Omanu riding over the county. Settlers of the riding had rated themselves heavily to put in an access road. Other ridings had received benefits by getting roads built with relief labour, and he thought all should bear this special rate.

Route To Moerewa. A direct route to Moerewa was also asked, as it was stressed that stock should be driven over the most direct route. Connection with the Bulls .Hoad, Bay of Islands, would save from 15 to 2(1 miles.

Mr Ransom said he would inquire about the Omahutu Forest. He was watching every possible opportunity to get unemployed on small farms. The North lent itself peculiarly to this scheme, with its climate and longer season, and the fact that it would grow so many things. The North had undoubted advantages. The Minister thought that men who had rated themselves to open up country should be assisted, and he would discuss with the Government the proposal for special legislation. The question of amalgamation had been mentioned, and the Minister announced that the position was being considered. He thought it likely that a special tribunal would be set up to go into the question.

Intensive Farming. , iA large meeting of settlers welcomed the Ministers at Mangonui. Mr Ransonie said he recognised the possibilities of intensive farming in the North and he would be more than satisfied if ho could leave his mark in bringing idle land to production. This would give him more satisfaction than in buying estates, although that had its advantages in putting more people on the land. He was greatly impressed with the courageous way in which the settlers were tackling their problems. This is Mr Masters' first visit North, and he said the possibilities of the district were a revelation to him. That there would be greater development in the future he was convinced.

He had also been impressed with the keen interest the people were taking in. the education of children, both European and native. Only that day lie had met a native who offered the timber for a school and a residence and a. site of five acres, so that a school could be established. People like that deserved, every consideration.

Various Requests. The settlers suggested a number of schemes, such as reclamation and the rebuilding of the Mangonui wharf for employing workless. They asked that the Marine Department should subsidise the work on the pound-for-pound basis up to £2500. Another suggestion was the straightening of the road between the township and the dairy factory at Omni. Measures for the restoration of the gum industry and the possibility of re-establishing a varnisu factory were also asked.

In a large measure, said Mr Ransom, the class of work for unemployed was a matter for local committees, but he said he would convey to the Marine Department the representations regard iug the wharf and reclamation work. Gum export, ho went on, should be encouraged, but it was doubtful whcthn the country should establish an industry without a. prospect of being able to compete with those in Britain.