CLOSER SETTLEMENT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16908, 23 March 1929, Page 4

CLOSER SETTLEMENT

OPENING OF BLOCKS INTENTIONS IN POVERTY BAY When the Ministers of Public Works and Lands were in Gisborne recently they were urged by deputations to make an endeavor to open up land in the district for closer settlement, but beyond the Minister of'Public Works saying that the matter would receive consideration, and the Minister of Lands indicating that the Te Wera block would be opened up as soon as possible, they did not commit themselves of their intentions with regard to Poverty Bay. No definite announcement has been made since, but a letter received to-day indicates that several blocks in the district are under consideration.

The Minister ol‘ Lands, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, was recently asked to release for publication a copy of a report, which it was understood dealt with Crown lands available for settlement in the Gisborne district, and which the Commissioner of Grown Lands, Gisborne, Mr. E. H. Farnie, had submitted to a recent conference in Wellington. Though the desired permission was not given by the Minister, the following information was provided:— “A report on this matter was compiled by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Gisborne, and submitted to a recent conference of executive officers of the Land Commissioners of my department, but it was intended for official use and discussion only. The report covers all unoccupied Crown lands, and much of .the land mentioned therein is of no value for settlement purposes; some cannot be profitably settled at present owing to inaceessi- - bility, while the balance might reason- - ably be offered for settlement as from time to time roading, etc., can be carried out. Referenco is also made to - private lands which would, in the opinion of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, lend themselves to economical subdivision for settlement.”

The Minister’s communication added that as it was decided to open up the various blocks due publicity would be given.