IDLE WAIKATO LANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17256, 4 September 1919, Page 8

IDLE WAIKATO LANDS.

I STATE PURCHASE URGED [BY TELEGRAPH.SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Wednesday. A suggestion that the Government should acquire for soldier and general settlement land st present lying idle in the Waikato was made by a deputation which waited upon the Prime Minister and the Minister for Lands, the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, this morning. In the absence of Mr. J. A. Young, the member for the district, the deputation was introduced by Mr. J. T. M. Hornsby (Wairarapa) and Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki). The speakers pointed out that while the Government was spending large sums on the purchase of highly-developed and high-priced lands it was neglecting areas which with a little labour could be made to provide a very profitable return and aid in satisfying the cry for increased production. There was much land of this description in the Waikato.

Mr. Massey, replying, explained that the Government must be guided by the existing legislation and the reports of its departmental officers. He would, however, take the whole matter into consideration if it were placed before him in documentary form. He would be glad to consider the purchase of any unimproved block which it might be thought the Government could acquire profitably.