Village Settlement.

Otago Witness, Issue 1952, 23 July 1891, Page 12

Village Settlement.

TO THE BDITOB.

Sib.^l am of opinion that the village settlement scheme of Mr Ballance is a wise one, provided the Government try to foster as much as possible small industries, such as lavender and peppermint growing In suitable localities, the Government to procure cuttings or runners of the true kiud from the Victorian Government's perfume farm, and give the cuttings to suitable persona at, say, half cost. We are far behind the Victorian Government in these matters. It is all very well to get the men to go on to these lands, but it should be the aim of the Legislature to try^and keep them there if possible by assisting to start remunerative industries. Firewood cutting is merely a hand-to-mouth arrangement. It must be something progressive. The youth of the country seem averse to following their fathers' footsteps, and seek clerkships, railway billets, &c, &o. The small farm system has made France powerful, and in Flanders how successful it is 1 Ten and 15 acres skilfully cultivated support a family in comfort. With lavender and peppermint for such localities, say, as Oamaru, with its dry climate and limestone bottom, possibly results might be obtained with the oil to compare favourably with the far-famed Mitoham oil of Kngland ; and for the colder climate of Southland, perhaps such plants as the colza, navette, poppy, and cameline, whioh are cultivated in Flanders by the small farmers for their oil, combined with poultry, swine, bees, and a cow or two; and with hi» firewood and going out at shearing time and harvest time, the small holder might rub along— certainly better than out of work in a town. , , With regard to the bursting up of estates, as it is termed, the mortgage compaules will no doubt have to dispose of their lands ; but such estates at the Enapdale, Greenfield, and others, which are managed by practical men on sound business prinoiples,' will no donbt continue to exist, and be the means more or leiijof finding some work for those hard up.

In conclusion, if the Flanden peatant had our good bush land to deal with, instead of perhap* blowing sand to consolidate by degrees, by thoughtful methods, he would think h'mielf well off "weed, and soon be in comfortable circumstances. But 1 must say that 5s rent, besides rates and taxes, for buih land to bona fide settlers who Intend to make a home on It. is not liberal enough and should at once be lowered. Take Into consideration that the survey was 15 years ago, that there are no roads, ana no assistance is given the settler to find his boundaries, and if he makes an error in taking up his Motion, the money is forfeited and he hat to pay again. To say the le»Bt, the conditions are far from liberal and not doHMc.-I am, &c, Kcrutatoß. Seaward Bush, July 17.