CLOSER SETTLEMENT IN THE A ELAND PROVINCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13096, 8 February 1906, Page 5

CLOSER SETTLEMENT IN THE A ELAND PROVINCE.

The Aratiatia Block, the southern portion of which is to be taken over by the Government, and thrown open for closer settlement, meets the north-western boundary of the Matamata Estate, and comprises in all 1938 acres. The land is partly dry and partly swamp land, the swamp portion forming the southern end or head of the large peaL swamp, the northern part of which was drained some years ago by the Government. This land took some time to consolidate, but when fit for settlement was found to be of good quality for agricultural and pastoral purposes, and satisfactory results have been obtained by. those who took up sections. The swampy portion of the Aratiatia Block should prove equally good, and the dry pairts may be described as very fair lands. The exact area to be taken over is not yet known here, but it is thought that the southern portion will l>e upwards of 1000 acres. The opening up of this area will enable the completion of the drainage system, which was retarded owing to the indisposition of the native occujmnts, from whom it has now been purchased, to participate in the drainage scheme. A separate drainage board to deal with the drainage of this and other adjoining blocks will probably be set up.