HOW SETTLEMENT PROGRESSES.

New Zealand Mail, 30 December 1892, Page 38

HOW SETTLEMENT PROGRESSES.

DEPUTATION TO TEE MINISTER OF LANDS. jt THE STIRLING BLOCK. A deputation from the Stirling Special Settlement Association at Eketahuna, coosilting of Messrs Nordell and Jose oh Smith and ocoompanied by Mr A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., interviewed the Minister of Lands on Friday morning with reference to the price placed upon their block, viz., an average of 22s 4d an acre. They complained that this was ooniiderably more than the Wellington Special Settlement Association had paid, although their block was bouuded by the main road near Eketahuna, whereas the Stirling Block is seven miles distant from it, and intersected by a river. The Minister replied that the value of the land was in tho bands of the Land Board, and he therefore referred the deputation to the Commissioner (Mr Baker). At the same time he stated that of late yearß land had increased in value and the Government oould not now be guided by what had been paid some years ago. The deputation then represented that they objected to the holding of a ballot until they were finished with plans of their sections and with fall particulars as to the prices to be paid. The Minister considered this information ought to be supplied. The deputation also objected to a sum of 5s per aore being added to the price of their land for roads, seeing that they could borrow the money themselves and wipe off the loan in 26 years by paying Interest at the rate of 5 per cent. The Minister explained that this charge was for the purpose of constructing roade to afford access to the blook, and that it would not nearly cover the cost, and that

the settlers' contribution would have to be largely supplemented by the Government. The deputation said the settlers would be content it they were consulted with regard to the expenditure of the money, but they objected to roads being made In any direction without reference to the association. The Minister promised that thay should be consulted before the money was spent. With this assurance the deputation expressed their satisfaction, and at the Minister's suggestion they subsequently waited on the Com misnloner of Crown Lands, who explained to them that he had resolved for the future to appoint a qualified surveyor and exaert (Mr Llewellyn Smith) to fix tbe average value of all special settlement blocks. it would be the duty of this officer to inspect the various blocks and determine the average price, while the local surveyors would report on the relative value of the sections. The deputation then com. , plained that about a mile of the road leading to their blook went through a totara [ reserve belonging to the Government, and i they did not see why they should be called I upon to pay for this portion of the road. Mr Baker replied that the road had been laid off for their advantage and without provision being made for it on the estimates the work oould not be done. The deputation represented that they could dispense with the road in the meantime until some provision was made for it, and Mr Baker accordingly promised them that none of the money would be expended upon it ; also that the association would be at once furnished with a plan of their seotions and the prices. MANGARAMABAMA VILLAGE SETTLKMKHT. Mr A. W. Hogg, M H R., interviewed the Minister of Lands on Friday with ro ferenoe to the above named village settle meat situated near Pahiatua. He pointed ont that the settlers bought the land more than 12 months ago, and were yet unable t» get on it because no lines of roada had beer

oleared through the bush, The Minister undertook to authorise an expenditure of £l5O upon the work which will be placed in hand at once under the cooperative system. P.ILMBFSTON FOREST RESERVE SPECIAL SETTLEMENT ASSOCIATION. An enquiry was hold at Palmersfcon North on Wednesday week by tho Wellington Crown Lands Board into certain charges made against members of this association, the proceedings lasting from 11 o'clock a.m. until after midnight. Evidence was adduoad to the effect that four of the speoial settlers had decided, for various reasons, to part with their righto, and that instead of complying with the regulations it was alleged they were about to reoeive considerable sums of money; that sums ranging from £25 up to £4O had been deposited by parties who wished to join the association ; that the transfers were just about to be carried out when Mr Cox, the promoter of tbe association, and up till lately the ohairman, com. munioated with the of Crown Lands, representing that gross irregularities had been brought under his notic, and that members of the association, with the connivance of its offic?rs, were speculating in the land, although it had not been balloted for. Tho board, after taking a very large nmounfc of evidence, reservod its dojision till the next meeting, on the 3rd prox.

LAND SETTLEMENT IN THE MA.NAWAIU. Sattlement in progressing rapidly right along the Manawatu railway line between Weliingtou aDd Palnvrston. The land has been cleared in most places almost to the top of the ranges. In some localities there have been heavy landslips, but, generally speakiog, the country presents a splendid appearance. There is an enormous growth of grass everywhere, and the sheep seem quite unable to keep it down. In the timbered country sawmills are numerous, end the settlers are availing themselves of the opportunity to procure cheap timber to put up some very pretty residenoes. Three or four years ago these plaoes were covered

| with dense bush. At Waikanae, Wi i Parata has just taken possession of a fine residence, whioh he has just hatl erected ! olose behind the railway station. I THE CALTXOBNIAV THISTLE. J At Paikakarikl a few years ago a robust species of thistle began to place itself in evidence. No notice appeared to be taken of it at the time, and to day the countryside for a distance of 15 or 20 miles near the railway line, Is literally studded with itSome »f the hill-sides are quite oovertd, and one may see paddocks of several aores In extent given completely up to this interloper. Well-informed settlers say It is the Californian thistle, and that its eradication will be a work of immense difficulty. OLD SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENT, A deputation waited upon the Minister of Lands on Friday morning, to urge him to set apart a block of land as a speoial settlement for old soldiers resident in Wellington. Tbe Minister offered to set apart a special seotion of the Waimarino Blook, near the trunk railway line beyond Hunterville, lend scrip to be used in the purohase of the land.