LAND SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20252, 11 May 1929, Page 14

LAND SETTLEMENT.

Sir, —To encourage applicants for settlement. on the waste Crown lands of the North I would suggest that the Government should arrange a systematic test.for water on areas of about 200 acres. If thaf. is done, and a plentiful supply is found, what is to hinder the Stato giving an " unassailable guarantee" of- this freehold to applicants possessing, say, £4OO and £6OO for sections of 150 to 200 acres. The smallest and best areas for the smallest capitalist. There should be conditions for compulsory residence and improvements during the first 10 years. If there is » good demand, and there are largo contiguous areas, it would be advisable if the Government farmed several, interjacent sections with practical managers for year or two It advise the settlers, .ibe terms and conditions for obtaining those freeholds should be advertised in the Home and other British lands. , The very poor soil can be profitably utilised by clearing t.hs surface, top-dressing with scwt. of basic slag "if clay subsoil," and sowing lotu's major and paspalum, covering the seed with tripod harrows. But. if possible, .cultivate the land, and if the subsoil is stiff and sour, plough shallow; if friable and free from acidity, plough deep. I have seen 4cwt. of basic slag applied to hard clay , soil that grew tea tree about 2in. high in one year. After 14 years there is fair pasturage. Have also seen the surface of a hillock (near the city) about three acres in extent, transformed into a splendid sward of clover and ryegrass. Yet anyone would think that land was worthless. If, settlers on land, as aforesaid, are thrifty, not afraid of hard work and contented in a small dwelling house until success is assured, they should bo comfortably settled on their own "dairy farms after the first three or four years. William R. Keav. Kumeu, May 10, 1929.