NATIVE LAND BOOM.

Otago Witness, Issue 2915, 26 January 1910, Page 3

NATIVE LAND BOOM.

(From Ottr Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, January 20. Something in the nature of a boom is stated to have commenced in respect to Native land of the Northern Waiapu. This is consequent upon the recent investigations of the Native Land Court, preparatory to the clothing with titles of the extensive areas of Papatipu land that have hitherto remained practically unoccupied. The ownership is still undecided. There are a boat of rival claimants, and Judge Sims's decisions in the matter have still to be reviewed by the Native Appellate Court. A well-known resident of the coast states that already quite a number of settlers have taken up pastoral areas between Awanui, Teararoa, and Round To Whangaparca. Titles are, of course, not yet obtainable, but the new settlers, who for the most part are young and muscular pioneers, are backed by the joint assurance of the Natives and the advice of members of the legal profession. By many the ventures are regarded as a gamble, but, notwithstanding this, improvements are being effected. Bushfelling and fencing are in progress, and already a new era concerning the long-tied-up lands of the district is supposed to be in view. _ Some of the holdings eecured amount to as much as 4000 or 5000 acres.