LAND DEVELOPMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20594, 19 June 1930, Page 14

LAND DEVELOPMENT.

STATE'S RECENT PURCHASE.

PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS.

SATISFACTION OF MINISTER.

[BY TEIiEGRArrT- —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

Tho possibilities of tho area of 3300 acres of land at Poro-o-tarao, near Te Kuiti, purchased by tho Crown, were mentioned to-day by tho Hon. 12. A. Hansom, Minister for Lands.

"This property has been acquired at a price which should enable it to bo mado available for settlement in an improved state at reasonable cost,'* remarked tho Minister. "Delivery can bo obtained about August 1, and there will be prompt opportunity of putting on labour, as conditions fortunately arc favourable. "The purchase includes many buildings of a superior type, constructed with a view to removal and re-erection. It was this particular feature which played u determining part in my decision to recommend tho purchase to Cabinet, as it solved tho problem of housing for men and their families, enabling us to offer work to married men, who will make good prospective settlers, and to provide good accommodation. "When the land is finally subdivided the buildings can be conveniently located, and I hero is even a building which can bo utilised as a school if educational facilities are needed.

"The plan for development provides for tho felling, clearing and grassing of 2000 acres, and it is intended to put in hand 700 acres of this work during the present season. Then there will be employment in providing access. The block is now reached by a tramway about two miles long, leading from Poroo-tarao railway station. This will be converted into a formed road, on which work will be put in hand at tho earliest suitable opportunity. Between tho season's work tho removal of buildings, establishment of homesteads on prospective sections, and also subdivisional fencing and roading, can bo put in hand. The area of about 1000 acres, now in pasture, will bo kept stocked and topdressed as required. "Tho undertaking-will offer chances of work to a very desirable class of worker, and it is proposed to select approved men for tho handling of tho whole area. Finally, it will bo subdivided into handy farms, improved and ready for profitable occupation. "1 am convinced of the wisdom of the undertaking," concluded Mr. Ransom, "and I am particularly pleased that this good opportunity has arisen of putting into operation such a promising scheme of land development." Tho Minister expressed his satisfaction with the activity of the Lands Department in assisting settlement, this being shown by tho increased volume of Crown lands taken up since the United Government had taken oflico. Tho Dominion Land Purchase Board had practically finalised tho details of purchase of several dairying properties, and inspections worn being made of many other areas under offer to the Crown.