SETTLE THE LAND.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 284, 28 May 1912, Page 6

SETTLE THE LAND.

» j THE GREAT QUESTION. ' DISCUSSED BY AUCKLAND FARMERS' -UNION. Auckland, May 23. At the Farmers' Union conference the following remit was adopted:—"That this union urges the Government to adopt a vigorous land settlement policy, so that any suitable land wholly or partially unused or unoccupied, whether held by natives, by the Crown, or by private individuals, may be made available under the optional system for close settlement in sufficient areas to meet the requirements of all genuine settlers." Mr. A. Ross (Waerenga) said the remit was the most important one on the order paper. "Occupy the waste places," was his advice. That would bring about a better condition of things. In this Dominion they had fewer disadvantages for the fanner than in any other country, yet farmers were not being induced to come out and settle. What was the reason? They had only to look at reports of land ballots. The land was not available. Large areas were held by Maoris locked up and uncultivated, and white owners held many acres for speculative purposes. It was a big question, but it was a simple one. There was the land, and the people were waiting to go on it. 1 "This is the crux of the whole busi-i ness," said Mr. J. Borrie (Waihou). "Take two or three days to deal with this question, and you will do some good. There will be no need to touch anything else." i 'Several speakers urged that it was genuine landless settlers that should be encouraged. They did not think men with large areas should be able to acquire more. Mr. J. Ambury (Rapu) said genuine settlers with a limited area were the men whose interests should be looked after. Some men without land who were always talking about tenures would not work on it if they were dragged on 'by a bullock team.