A LAND SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9711, 5 January 1895, Page 4

A LAND SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION.

In another column we give some particulars from a correspondent relative to the settlement of the Opuatia Block. This piece of land has become somewhat famous from having been the scene of a native obstruction in the making of a road, which resulted in the arrest of a considerable number of Maoris. It is of 45,000 acres, and being comparatively near to Auckland, its settlement is a matter of great interest to every citizen. The Govern ment, we believe, have been anxious to buy the land, but the natives have preferred to deal with it themselves, under the provisions of an Act passed last session, which enables them to do so. _ Whether they have been wise in taking this course the result will show. The land has been awarded by the Native Land Court to different native owners, and we are not aware whether all of them have consented, but at all events the majority of them have agreed, and the portions awarded to non-consenting natives may be left over for the present. Over so iarge an area there must, of course, be diversities of soil. We understand, however, that much of the land is of the very best quality. The public interest lies in the block being occupied, and according to the statements made, no time will be lost in getting this done. We understand that amongst the intending settlers are many who have been resident in the .neighbourhood forsoma time, and sons of old settlers in the adjoining districts, who have had abundant opportunity of obtaining full knowledge of the capacities of the land*