NEEDS OF THE NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19246, 8 February 1926, Page 6

NEEDS OF THE NORTH.

MINISTER AMONG SETTLERS* TOUR OF THREE COUNTIES. VARYING CLASSES OF LAND. [BY TELEGRAPH.—-SPECIAL EEPORTZB,.] EAITAIA, Saturday. A variety of country such as only tha North can provide traversed to-day by the Minister of Lands, Hon. A. D. McLeod, in continuing his tour through the counties of Bay of Islands, Whangaroa and Mangonui, from Ohaeawai to Kaitaia, a distance of 80 miles. Almost at each mile covered new aspects of the district were presented. Rich valleys were traversed, these being alternated with arid gum lands and bleak hills, wb«re cultivation is impossible. In centrist with the heavy going of yesterday <xceUent roads were encountered almost thi whole way to Ivaitaia. However, bleak weather continued and a bitterly cold southwesterly wind blew all day, bringing with it intermittent showers of rain. The class of rich dairy land which tar* rounds Ohaeawai continued to well bey<us Waimate, the old-time settlement whr.h still contains the dwellings of the mv sionary pioneers and the picturesqx® church of the early days. A gentle gracb led to the fertile lands of the Waitanp River, but about two miles past this Ua land began to lose its richness and tjbe Wairoa kauri gum reserve, of about 3000 acres on the low hills, offered a strange contrast. The land is only fit for affores- j tation, although an area of soma 1905 acres further on. at Puketotara could be cultivated to advantage. ; ;. v At the Waipapa Flats, where is situated the quiescent gum washing plant, the Minister was greeted by a number of settlers, who first conducted him to sows land behind the main road, where the irsnstone surface bad been cultivated ana made productive. The settlers are particularly anxious to see some 14,000 actes near the main road brought under culiivation and planted, at least with fnat trees, which they declare would thrive ss well as on the land round Waiuku, which was once in a similar crude state. It was stated that no farmer troubles to cultivate his land to any extent, y«t ileshy lemons,' weighing jib. each, are grown in virgin soil. la the Whangaroa Distric-t. After being introduced to those present by Mr. Allen Bell, M.P. for Bay of Islands, the Minister addressed the gathering on several matters of local interest. On a start being made again, the rosd took the party through the Kapiro kauri gum reserve for about four miles. This reserve is 16,000 acres in extent. A splendid view of the expansive Takau Bay on the upper reaches of the Bay of Islands was secured from the hills, A run of eight miles took the party to the fertile Kaeo Flats in the Whangaroa County, principally occupied by freehold settlers who take a pride in the rearing oi fine Jersey cattle. At Kaeo the Maori., settlers welcomed the Minister with a haka. The Rev,. P. Poata expressed the natives' deep regret at the death of tbe late Mr. Massey, who had always been such a faithful leader and true father to them. In regard to the kauri gum lands and bush workings the speaker said that many of the natives found a livelihood through these means, and now that they were nearly exhausted they had to look round for suitably faming. There were blocks of suitable farming land in the district which they suggested should be set aside solely for landless Maoris. ' The Minister said that he agreed that the Maoris should hold their own land if they undertook to work it and he promised to consider the point raised. • ~, A Visit to Mangomd. The party then proceeded past the head of the "Whangaroa Harbour and on to Mangonui. Replying to a deputation from the Mangonui Chamber of Commerce in connection with kauri gum and other matters the Minister deprecated the criticism levelled against the Lands Department, and stated that since he had become . Minister he had seen what splendid work was being done by the departmental officers. . In connection with afforestation the Minister said that they had to be guided largely by what experience thev had already gained. He agreed with the department that it was useless planting areas smaller than 20,000 acres. He had a great deal of sympathy with the kauri gum producer, arid if he could pay his way he saw no reason why he should not say what broker he would deal with. However, he was quite prepared to consider any amendments to the Control Act of last session, which would be to the general good. After leaving Mangonui a atrajght run of 27 miles was made oh good roads to Kaitaia, which was reached shortly before nightfall. The was met by th« chairman of the Mangonui County Council, Mr. A. H. Long.

IN THE FAE NOETH. ARRIVAL AT TE PAKI. SAND ENCROACHMENT MENACE. [Bt TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] TE PAKI. Sunday. The Northernmost point in the tour of the Minister of Lands, Hon. A. DMcLeod, and incidentally the farthest North settlement in New Zealand, was reached to-dav when the party traversed the Ninety-mile Beach to Te raki, in the heart of sheep and cattle lands. On leaving Kaitaia, the two cars skirteu the huge swamp area outside the township, and by the time they left the metalled road all signs of habitation had ceased. A solitary Maori boy astride a lean pony- looked on while the cars were literally pushed on to the sandy highway which stretched to the North and disappeared behind a curtain of white breakers. The lone figure turned and disappeared as- a start was made on the 50miie run on an incomparable surface. As far as the eye could see, the beach was flanked with breakers, whose roar was swallowed in the rush of a strong north-westerly wind, and ihe cries of screeching gulls and god wits. A lf nely surveyor from an inland camp, who was digging for toheroas in the sand, provided the only sign of life. The menace of sand encroachment ws* evident along the whole 50 miles. Ihe ranges of.hifls for miles inland were grey under the feet of the drift. After travelling about 15 miles a stop was made in order to permit the Minister to view the conditions. The party walked some distance inland, only to be greeted with a veritable desert. It was pointed out by Mr. Allen Bell, M.P., that the encroachment could be stopped at the snore by planting lupin and marram gnws. Ine latter had been planted, but cattle had attacked it, with .the result that the contour of the country continued to change with the vagaries of the prevailing wm<r. A straight run was then made to Scott s Point, which was reached two honrs aw r leaving the southern end of the bear-n. Vehicles can go no further, and after a stop of two hoars for lunch andl the tide the last stage was made to Te F»i£i, where the party was welcomed by Mr. L Keene, at whose homestead hospitality was extended for the night. An Opportunity was afforded to pay » visit to Spirits Bay, and seven oorws left for the north coast, on winch is srtoated Cape Reigna, which according to Maori mythology, was the last restingplace of the departed souls before they left for the great; unknown. A fine psno* rama of .the rugged coastline ym secured*