SETTLE THE LAND

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8129, 24 May 1912, Page 1

SETTLE THE LAND

THE GREAT QUESTION

DISCUSSION BY AUCKLAND FARMERS’ UNION.

PBBSS ASSOCIATION. AUCKLAND, May 23. At the Farmers’ Union conference the following remit was adopted: “ That this union urges the Government to adopt a vigorous land settlement policy, so that any suitable land wholly or partially unused or unoccupied, whether held by natives, by the Crown, or by private individuals, may ho made available under the optional system for close settlement in suffi cienb areas to meet tho requirements of all genuine settlers.” Mr A. Hoss (Waerenga) said tho remit was tho most important one on tho order paper. “ Occupy the waste places ” was his advice. That would bring about a better condition oi things. In this Dominion they hail Fewer disadvantages for the farmer than in any other country, yet fanners were not being induced to come out and settle. “What was the reason '{ They had only to look at reports of land ballots. The land was not available. Largo areas were held by Maoris locked up and uncultivated, and white owners held many acres for speculative purposes. It was a big question, but it xvas a simple one. There was tho land, and tho people were waiting to go on it. '• This is the crux of the whole business,” said Mr J. Borrie (Waihou). “ Take two or three days to deal wit this question, and you will do some good. There will be no need to touch anything else.” Several speakers urged that it was genuine landless settlers that should be encouraged. They did not think men xvith large areas should be able to acquire more.