Land Settlement

Northland Age, Volume 28, Issue 57, 11 July 1928, Page 6

Land Settlement

& Welcome Policy The decision of Cabinet to proceed immediately with the extension of the railway from Rotorua to Taupo should be heartily welcomed as a sign that a definite move is to be made to develop the vast area of unoccupied land lying round about Lake Taupo. It is frankly admitted that this land is pumice country of poor quality; but capable under proper treatment of attaining to a respectable degree of productivity. This has been proved at Reparoa. The development of the couple of million acres or so that will be tapped by the new railway should mean a considerable impetus to the province, and a relief to the overcrowded labour market. No doubt there are in the Dominion other areas to which the powers that be might profitably direct their attention. Idle lands and idle hands should not exist in a young country like New Zealand. What is urgently needed is a scheme for utilising the one in the development of the other. Figures show that as a wealthproducer one farmer is worth four artisans. The inference is obvious: “Increase the number ot farmers.” The Taupo railway is a step in that direction.