SETTLEMENT IN NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17457, 29 April 1920, Page 6

SETTLEMENT IN NORTH.

PROGRESS OF SOLDIERS.

ROADS TO BE CONSTRUCTED.

The satisfactory programs made by returned soldiers who have taken up land in the North was commented upon yesterday by the Commissioner of Crown Lends far

the North Auckland district, Mr. B. ?. Greville, who with Mr. J. Wells, a member of the Land Board, has just returned from an extended tour of the Northern settlements.

Mr. Greville said a visit to the Pakaraka Settlement had convinced him that* given two or three good seasons, soldiers who were holding sections- there would begin to be in a comfortable position. This estate was divided into 16 sections, the average holding being about 100 acres. There were. however, four sections of about 50 acres of rich volcanic land watered by a good permanent stream.

The commissioner assured the soldier settlers thai if any were unable to meet their financial obligations the board would give their case sympathetic consideration. Those who were able to fulfil their obligations to the board would, however, be required to do so. Each case would be treated on its merits.

Mr. Greville and Mr. "Wells subsequent.lv visited the Remnem Estate, which was '.Balloted for about the middle of last year. Most of the settlers were in residence, mar v of them with their wives and children, the tetter numbering 23, including several infante. The men were working well, and felt confident of success. The land was looking well and the stock were in excellent . condition, and Mr. Greville was of opinion that if any soldier was not successful on the estate the land could not be blamed. *•*-■■■- All the soldiers had been able to gain access to their sections without side roads, but tie commissioner made arrangements for tie formation of roads. The work -will be done by the settlers themselves when the factory is closed during the winter. Thus they will improve their own property and earn additional money daring the slack season. At Kaitaia the commissioner received deputations. Many matters affecting land * or settlement were brought under the board e notice, including the throwing open of several blocks of land in the localitv th© reclamation, of the shallow mangrove swamps on the souUiern shorn of Bang*' tmu Bay, the protection of the lands from tee encroaching sand, the settlement of the Kattaia- Crown lands now in process of being drained, and other matters of local interest.