PROMOTING SETTLEMENT.

Colonist, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8366, 30 September 1895, Page 1 (Supplement)

PROMOTING SETTLEMENT.

(< Colonißt ' Sept mber 13.) Although very considerable efforts have been made by the present Government to promote settlement, and tc make the Village Settlement Scheme a success, the difficulties that have had to be contended with have militated against the complete success that was looked for. Chief among these difficulties has been the falling value in prices of produce, but as that cannot prove a permanent difficulty, it is well that efforts to secure for the State a large body of prosperous holders ol small estates should be redoubled at a time when bighter prospects are apparent. Mr J. E.March, Superintendent of Village Settlements, was recently directed to make an inspection of the Australian village settlements with the view that he might acquire knowledge that would prove valuable in this Colony. That gentleman has now made certain recommendations, some of whioh are very admirable. He urges that more vigorous measures be taken to promote settlement under the Village Homestead System on suitable land in country districts, and that land for such purposes be acquired near the larger centres of population. Then hs proposes that desirable men should be selected for the settlements, such as artisans and others occupied in towns, but who may only be working half-time, for settlements near towns, and farm hands and those accustomed to work on runs, or in the bush, for country settlements. These proposals at once commend themselves as providing a reasonable prospect of success if the settlers can be located as suggested. Mr March points out that to promote this class of settlement monetary assistance must be granted by w T ay of loan. In New South Wales, and in South Australia, the aid granted is £50, while in Victoria is is £40, but Mr March recommends that village settlers, to be approved by the Laad Board, be granted £20 for dwelling-house when tbe land is plain or open, tnd £40 v. Leu i* io buch covered, tbe additional £20 in the lat < cases to provide for c.earit g, burning and graseiug ten acree. The advances, he provides, should be repaid by instalments after the firet four yeare, these repayments to be devoted to helping to place othera on the land It is evident from tbie that for foor jears 6very person for whom a home is found in a Village £ettleme_t wili cost £20 whero the country is opeu and £40 where it is in bueh and tbat there will also be the cost of acquiring fc uitable laud in the vioinity of towne. This means a very considerable responsibility to take up, but on the other hand very considerable advantages would be derived. There would be less needed for charitable aid, and the village settlers would soon be contributing to the revenue. Besides that we should be encouraging self-reliance instead of creating paupers, which there is much reason to fear present methods we creating.