SETTLEMENT BY MAORIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20743, 10 December 1930, Page 16

SETTLEMENT BY MAORIS.

PUMICE COUNTRY AREAS.

INSPECTION BY MINISTERS.

[TIV TEIjEGItAFJI.—mESS ASSOCIATION.] HAMILTON, Tuesday.

An inspection of largo blocks of native and Crown land in the Taupo-Rotorua district was made by tho acting-Prime Minister, Hon. E. A. Ransom, accompanied by Sir A. T. Ngata, during tho week-end. On tho llorahora block, near Atiamuri, the natives aro breaking-in their land oil ill© community plan, in accordance with tho policy of tho Nativo Department. They aro doing tho work under skilled supervision, and a large area has been ploughed and put down in grass and made ready for permanent settlement. Fencing is being done and houses aro being erected, and when tho areas are regarded as. ready for occupation they will be balloted for by the natives.

The Ngakuru block of about 10,000 acres belongs to tho Crown. I'lio block is loaded and development work is making good progress. Mr. Ransom stated to-day that tho land has been subdivided and is being fenced and broken in. About 500 acres have been put into grass, and cottages will be erected before tho allotments aro mado. Shelter belts have been planted along tho roads. Tho Minister said ho was really very favourably impressed with the progress made. Tho country is rougher than tho nativo areas ho visited, and the sections will bo cut tip in such a way as to givo to each a stated minimum area of ploughable land. Tho Ngakuru block is situated opposite the Guthrie settlement. Mr. Ransom said that other blocks wero inspected with a view to development and settlement, and he was very hopeful of being able to secure suitable areas.