THE WILDEN ESTATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20521, 24 March 1930, Page 8

THE WILDEN ESTATE.

The Government's purchases of rural estates for subdivision have been defended by the Minister of Lands, generally on the ground that only a fair price is paid for the land, and particularly that, in the case of the Wilden Estate, a pastoral lease adjoining it was resumed in 1925 by the Reform Government without provoking any protests by the Reform journals. The latter operation comprised the subdivision of the Wilden pastoral run, covering 60,335 acres, of which four runs, ranging in area from 6000 to 15,000 acres, were allotted to selectors, the remaining portion being retained by the lessee. There was, in fact, some adverse criticism on the ground that the block as a whole would carry more sheep, but at least no extravagant claims were made for the land. It was simply described as " excellent pastoral country, though somewhat high and subject to snow risks." The resumption of the "Wilden pastoral run in 1925 and the purchase of the Wilden Estate in 1930 cannot be regarded as analogous transactions unless Mr. Forbes presents the full details in respect of both ai-eas. His intention is obviously to suggest that the earlier proceeding should have been criticised, and that if the full facts were set in contrast with those of his Government's purchase, .criticism of the latter would be silenced. It is a dangerous defence to be used on behalf of a party which boasted so certainly that, whatever shortcomings it might reveal, at least it would be better in every way than the Reform Government. Yet this is bv no means the only case in which the United Government has excused its failings by the plea that what it has done was no worse than its predecessor's record in similar circumstances. Although Mr. Forbes is so positive that only a fair price has been paid for the Wilden property, he is still careful not to disclose the slightest indication of it. This is absurd, since the plans for subdivision have been issued. the capital values and rentals of the sections fixed and applications invited for their selection. The Minister is very positive about the element of " splendid agricultural land," but evidently that asset is not evenly distributed, as the subdivisions run up to 4236 acres —surely a large mixed agricultural and pastoral farm —while only " a fair portion " of the pastoral land is winter country. Mr. Forbes has also stated on several occasions that there would be " about 14 suitable areas." The official announcement of the ballot, however, offers only 11 sections, which suggests that proximity to high country, subject to snow risks, actually depreciates the suitability of the estate for close settlement. Excessubdivision of pastoral coun- • try in Otago has, according to the commissioner of Crown lands for the district, been a handicap upon settlement.