OPENING UP THE LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14004, 9 March 1909, Page 6

OPENING UP THE LAND.

DEVELOPMENT ALONG THE MAIN

TRUNK.

[Bt TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

' Wellington, Monday. Important dispositions and sales of Crown lands have taken place in this island during the last ten days. The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr. James Mackenzie), accompanied by Messrs. Wright, Waitt, and W. C. Cormick (officers of the Department), went to Ohakune on February 26, and the following day disposed of 40 sections adjoining the railway station, as already mentioned in the Herald. The bidding was fairly spirited, 22 sections being disposed for £1237. , The upset price was £925. Later on in the day the party proceeded to Raetihi, where 14 township sections were offered by auction, 11 being sold for £315 10s, the upset values being £247 10s.

On the same clay applications were received for Raetihi town lots on the renewable lease system. Of these sections 13 were covered by applications and duly balloted for on February 27. Applications were also received for 21 sections in the Ruatiti Block. This was the most important work of the tour. The block consists of 14,178 acres, and had been thrown open under cash, occupation with right of purchase, and renewable lease conditions. Every section was eagerly taken up. ■ ! The Commissioner remarked to a pressman that perhaps the prices were higher than usual, but even this had a good side to it, as it would enable more to be spent on the roads. He also referred to the excellent spirit observed in every applicant confining himself to one section. Indeed, he had never seen such a thorough absence of anything in the shape of landgrabbing. The unsuccessful applicants had to be sympathised with, but another large block in the district would be opened shortly.