LAND SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19486, 16 November 1926, Page 12

LAND SETTLEMENT.

The conference called to discuss land settlement policy and prospects, coincident with the holding of the Royal Show in Auckland, meets to-night. Though unofficial, in the political and Government sense, this is an important occasion. A healthy public opinion, properly alive to the need for action in this vital matter, is the motive force most likely to inspire it where it is needed so woefully. The conference should help to stimulate it. Good wishes for success in this movement will come from all who are alive to the best interests of the Dominion. The opportunity of the conference is a great one, considering how representative of well-informed opinion it can be. That opportunity should not be impaired by proceeding on wrong lines. The need for more settlement and development should not require to Lje emphasised. It is self-evident. Neither should time be wasted in debate, reproaches or attempts to allocate blame. Constructive criticism, helpful suggestions, an effort to reach the fundamental facts of a situation admittedly difficult are what such a conference should exhibit. If it fails through allowing itself to be obsessed with nonessentials, there will be great disappointment. If ever there was a time when minor differences of opinion should be waived for the sake of striking at the heart of an urgent problem, this is one. The men it is hoped to draw into the movement for a more -'virile and successful policy of development will have practical, first-hand knowledge of its difficulties as well as of the opportunities offering. The atmosphere, therefore, should be wholly practical." Agreement on the essentials, then the establishment of a committee to work out the details and set the movement on foot should not be a formidable task for such a gathering to accomplish. If the work is done aright, a great forward move may well begin with the conference meeting to-night.