TUB SETTLEMENT SCHEME AT MATAMATA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7656, 5 June 1886, Page 6

TUB SETTLEMENT SCHEME AT MATAMATA.

(t'ROM A CORRESPONDENT,]

The progress and result of the settlement scheme inaugurated and about to be carried out by Mr. J. C. Firth on his Minamata estates, will be watched with very great interest by people of all olassses throughout the colony, and more especially by those who own extensive areas of land, and others of small capital and large families. The achemo has been viewed generally in a very favourable light, and so far as can be seen at present appears to contains all the elements of success. Its extension at Mataraata, and no doubt to many other parts of New Zealand, and probably to other colonies, depends entirely upon this first experiment turning out a success ; should it not, even then the trial will not have besn made in vain, and credit will none the less be due to Mr. Firth for trying to solve one of the greatest social problems of the day—the settlement of the land. As so muoh depends ou the first practical teat of the scheme, Mr- Firth is acting prudently by limiting the number of settlers at present to 20, though probably three or four times that number of settlers could be obtained from amongst the 250 applicants. When onoe the scheme has been on trial and proved a success, there will be no trouble in getting either land and cattle, or suitable settlers, on the same terms. The scheme is looked upon with favour here amongst those working on the estate, and I hear that some of the men are applicants for farm lots. No time is being lost in preparing the sections for fencing, etc. Mr. Cheal, with his staff, is now on the ground laying off the twenty sections, whioh vary in size from 50 to 100 acres each. Tho site of the new settlement is on the Peria Block, which comprises some of the best land on the Matamata estate, and quite equal to any to be found in the Thames Valley. It joins the Richmond Block, is well-watered, aud is within easy distance of the Thames Valley and Rotorua Railway. The site for the cheese factory, which is a part of the scheme, has been choaeu, subject to the approval of Mr. J. C. Firth, and the building will be started immediately, It will be a eubstantial structure, 60 feet by 40 feet, built on the most approved principles, and fitted with the latest appliances, capable of dealing with the milk from 450 cows to start with, and this capacity can bo enlarged wh&n required. This will also be pushed on with all possible speed, so as to be in working order before the "chosen few" arrive, The lucky ones amongst the applicants will, I am sure, have reason to congratulate themselves upon their good lortune in being the first to have the v opportunity of becoming participators in such a liberal scheme.

The general survey of the Gordon settlement adjoining the Matamata estates ou the Shaftsbury side is now finished, Mr. Williams and party having finally inspected the work and taken their-departure a few day ago. Mr. Babbage, of Wanyanui, is greatly interested in Mr. Firth's settlement scheme, paid a visit to the block during the week.

Herds of fallow deer, the produce of one or two couple liberated on the Matainata estates about ten years ago, are frequently seen on the Peria Block, and often on the flats. A few days ago a herd was seen quietly grazing in a turnip paddock within a quarter of a mile from the railway station, amongst them being a perfectly white one nearly full grown. The weather has been delightful here lately, with frosty nights, though we are threatened with a change just now.