TARDY LAND SETTLEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2811, 26 August 1908, Page 10

TARDY LAND SETTLEMENT.

A BITTER COMPLAINT. (Fbom Otth. Own. Cokrespondent.)' AUCKLAND, August 21. A bitter -complaint from the Kihikihf Town Board was received by the Chamber of Commerce yesterday in a letter ae£ing •the chamber's best influence in the matter of opening up Crown and Native lands. The 6©ttlers in that district, said the letter, had been waiting 40 yeare -for these lands. All the good country close at hand were the Tbkaanui block of 10,000 acres, of whioh 1500 acres only were occupied by Europeans, andi the Crown and Natives held half each of the balance. Next to that was thef Pokuru block of 4000 acres, the Natives , holding all except 500 acres of Crown land, which was left idle for 10 years,, •and was recently .opened in four sections, there being 725 applicants. East of Tokaanui block was the Wharepuhunga block of 100,000 acres, of which the Crown held half, a few scattered settlers holding; 10,000 acres. Then came the Rangitoto, a block of 108,000 acres, held^between the Crown and the Natives, the Maoris numbering 30. Numerous blocks were mentioned in the vicinity of the Main Trunk line, and the Town Board urges that the Government sliould iave lpng ago surveyed its areas, and opened them for settlement. Tlie land was now only breeding rabbit 6 and noxious weeds.

James Stanbury, ex-dhampdon sculler oF the world, has been appointed ranger of - New Soutih Wales National Park, a .position held years ago by Elias Layoook,. also a T champion sculler. Ex-champion Beach is also in the Government service of the Mother State.