LAND SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20991, 30 September 1931, Page 13

LAND SETTLEMENT.

Sir, —Owing to the present position of New Zealand, and also of Britain, we are unable to borrow, either on the New Zealand or London markets, for any extensive scheme of land settlement. ' With the abandoning of certain public works and the completion of others in the near future, we are faced with the possibility of a substantial increase of unemployment. As increased land settlement seems to be the only solution of the unemployment question in this country, the following land policy may appeal as beinw economically sound: I would propose'that the State buy privately-owned land, on the deferred payment system, for the purpose of establishing new settlers; the State to guarantee both principal and interest over a term of years to the seller. In no case should the State buy the whole of any property, unless through ill-health or advancing age the owner was unable to farm it; but only such portion as might be suitable for a farm or farms, and st.ill leaving the original owner sufficient land to continue his ordinary farming pursuits. [ feel certain that there are thousands of settlers in New Zealand to-day who would be willing to dispose of part of their holdings to the State on the terms mentioned. In many cases this scheme would only mean the State readjusting and taking over existing mortgages, many of them being State mortgages. Present conditions do not warrant the State purchasing high-priced lands, as there are already thousands of acres of unimproved and partly-improved land in every part of New Zealand, which are capable of great development when lands suitable for subdivision are cut into smaller holdings. . Land settlement under this scheme would have the advantages of existing conveniences in the form of roads and railways, dairy factories, schools, social services and amusements. Land taken near towns, where possible, should be cut into smaller holdings than that in less accessible places. Under a State guarantee of principal and interest, from the portion of the land sold in this way, the seller would be able to approach his banker for cash, stock company for stock and grocer for stores and manures, and tide him over a difficult period. This would also provide an opportunity for farmers' sons to take over a part of their parents' property, thus keeping them on the land in the environment to which they are accustomed. Tile cessation of many public works will mean that a great number of P.W.D. cottages will have to be disposed of and no doubt many of them could be utilised as farm dwellings. Preference should be given at first to prospective settlers in a position to buy their own stock, and pay the first, half-year's instalment, in advance. Closer settlement of this kind would also assist in reducing the present, heavy costs of production and assist toward the fuller development of the existing industries of every district, thus placing both present, and future settlers on a more profitable basis. King Cottntby SETTLB*.