LOCKING UP THE LAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14819, 24 October 1911, Page 5

LOCKING UP THE LAND.

Sir, —Can you explain why the Government will buy at high- prices these large tracts of hind from private people for settlement which are already under cultivation, and are a certain source of income to the Dominion, when it has largo uncultivated areas of its own, some of which have been surveyed into farm sections for many years? On- block worthy of mention is the Maugatotara Block, in the Bay of Plenty district. This block of land, if opened up, would form a part of one of the most valuable dairying areas in tho Dominion. Each section of it is supplied with running streams. The rainfall in tho district is remarkable. Through last summer's drought, when there was scarcely a blade of green grass to bo seen from Auckland to tho Bluff, it was a treat to drive through from Waikato. which was as parched and dry as all other farming districts, and to feast one's eye's on land in the vicinity of Mnngatotara, which was as green as the Emerald Isle itself. I know of largo herds of cattle that 'were starving on the low lands, which wero sent to graze in the district of Kaimai. adjoining Mangatotara. This particular block is being held back by the Government on account of the quantity of "valuable" -milling timber which is supposed to exist there, and which has recently been, advertised for tenders.

No tenders having been received is proof , positive of the value of . the timber, which I know is only of sufficient quantity-to supply " the requirements of future settlers. I know of several who have been waiting years for ; the ballot of this block and the opening up of it, would satisfy a good number of earnest land seekers. Open Up the Land.