THE KAIWAKA SETTLEMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3292, 18 April 1917, Page 11

THE KAIWAKA SETTLEMENT.

THE GOVERNMENT'S RETURN TO RETURNED SOLDIERS. (See Illustrated Pages.) There is, perhaps, no question which is so agitating the minds of New Zcalanders at the present time as the question of making some adequate provision for our_ returned soldiers. The Government are wisely setting aside unoccupied lands for settlement by the soldiers as opportunity offers, and subscription-lists have been opened all over the Dominion for the purpose of raising funds towards the same object. Some share of these funds will, of course, go to supplement the Government's pensions or allowances to the dependents of those who died for their country's sake; but, no doubt, tho bulk will be required to assist the living, who may return wounded or maimed in the struggle. It is therefore of some interest to note what is being done already to assist those who have responded to the country's call, and have returned discharged from further service. In Hawke's Bay tho Government recently cut up for selection by returned soldiers a block of Native land, the lease of which had expired, and which they had secured for settlement. This block, known as the Kaiwaka block, is of some 15,000 acres in extent, lies to tho north of Napier, and is on the East Coast railway route, while the main Wairoa road traverses the block on the eastern boundary, and other roads have been surveyed through the block, and are now under construction. The prospects of the settlement are therefore good. The block may be said to be tho tip of a tableland from 1000 ft to 2Cooft above- tho sea-level. The general contour of it is intersected by big and broad valleys, falling to within 200 ft above and affording excellent shelter for stock. There is generally, good soil on clay, or pumice, with outcrop of limestone, well grassed and watered, and with manuka scrub, or light bush in the gullies. The block was divided into 24 sections of from 450 to 1250. acres, and all but two of the sections have been taken up. The new settlers seem to be the right sort of men, and they have been fortunate in receiving practical help and encouragement of the best sort from several gentlemen who are taking a deep interest in settling the returned soldiers on the land. With the assistance of these gentlemen the new settlers have not only been able to stock their holdings with a first-class lot of stock at much lower than present ruling prices and exceptionally easy terms, but practical •assistance in the management of the properties is also being freely given, Mr J. R. Mackay, manager of Mr G. P. Donnelly's Ohurukura- Station close by, having been instructed by Mr Donnelly to give whatever advice and assistance may bo required. The sections taken up are already showing marked improvement, such as tho erection of dwelling-houses, fencing, and clearing, while some men are busy with tho packing of posts some distance away, packhorses and saddles being supplied by Mr Donnelly. Mr H. . Guthrie-Smith, of Tutira, has also been a good friend to the new, settlers, supplying them with facilities for carting their material, or else defraying the cost, and one and all speak highly of the many kind actions and assistance extended by the settlers around tho district. Great assistance has also been rendered to the settlers try Mr M'Cullough, late manager on the block, who is never tired of - helping anyone, and puts his spare time in showing the boys how and the best way to fence, break in horses, train dogs, assist with sheep, and showing tho best tracks on tho block to the settlers, and all will be sorry when he goes away. . Preparations are well in hand to prepare for crutching and to have everything ready for the next shearing season. Mr Chas. Lyll. of rha Homestead block, has offered his woolshed, with machines, and also his services for tho purpose. _ Some throe weeks ago, at the invitation of tho settlers, a visit was paid to the new settlement by Mr W. F. Marsh (Crown Lands Commissioner for Hawke's Bay). Mr J. Thomson (secretary to the-Land Board), Mr G. P. Donnelly, Mr W. Richmond, and others. On arrival at the homestead they rcccjved a hearty welcome from a large number of tho new settlers, who had gathered for the purpose of inspecting and purchasing the sheep. Mr Donnelly, in addressing the soldier-settlers, thanked them for their welcome, and in a stirring address appealed to the men for the need of unity and of assisting one another on tho block, mentioning that the ball was at their foot, and it was for them, to keep it going. As they had done their duty to their King and country, they still could continue to do their duty by producing wool and mutton, and becoming prosperous and respected settlers. Mr Richmond endorsed Mr Donnelly's remarks, and announced that he wished to help those who fought for their country, and would assist by letting the 6oldiers have tho pick of his flock at low terms. Ho wished all happy times and success. Mr Marsh also spoke. He said how pleased ho was to notico how businesslike tho now settlers were, and that they were lucky in having so many good friends with them. Ho would always do his best to assist them. At the conclusion three hearty cheers wero given for Mr Donnelly, Mr Marsh, and Mr Richmond. After lunch work proceeded in the yards, and some 14,000 Bheep having to be drafted and dipped, tho dipping lasted several day. 9, and Mr Mackay, of Oiiuru-