LAND SETTLEMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7048, 9 February 1910, Page 5

LAND SETTLEMENT

(To tbs'Editor "N.Z. Times.") Sir,— Undoubtedly one of the finest and most democratic measures placed on the New Zealand statutes toll for •many yG£Lr9 16 til© I#£Ul<l SottleJUCJlt Finance Act of last session. Directed as it is to such a worthy object; and •possessing such valuable features in the way of overcoming hitherto insuperable difficulties of finance, it deserves the fullest appplication, and it will be entirely for the benefit of this country when it ramifies to much greater proportions. It seems that this beneficial Act is not very generally known, in this district ns least, and no doubt it is tho wish of the Premier and his brainy party to see that the right class of people derive the intended benefit of this fine enactment. It will be admitted by practical people, however, that there is a danger of even as worthy a measure as that under review becoming numbered among tbe “dead letters* unless it receives a certain amount of “propagating,” as it were. Tho most apparent moans of accomplishing this appears to my mind to lie in the direction of appointing commissioners under the Act. The duty of these commissioners might consist in the forming of associations, the ascertainment and inspection of suitable properties, and in furnishing both the Government and the association with special advice. For such an office practical men would bo necessary, men who could be guided by a thorough experience in pastoral and agricultural pursuits. Unless the matter of furthering tho intentions of the Act becomes soma special person’s special _ business, there is a very real probability of some- useful legislation becoming ineffectual.—l am, etc., SETTLER. Hosterton, February 7th.