LAND SETTLEMENT.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 May 1933, Page 6

LAND SETTLEMENT.

Much interest attaches to the statement of the Minister of Lands, Hon. E. A. Ransom, at Rotorua on Wednesday in regard to land settlement. Mr. Ransom seemed to indicate that a new policy has been decided upon, and one that is likely to meet with approbation. The Minister, like many others, is convinced that in closer land settlement lies the greatest likelihood of eliminating unemployment. But he is faced with the fact that there is little Crown land of firstclass quality remaining that is suitable for small holdings. On the other hand there are large areas, particularly in what used to be called “the pumice area and in other parts of the centre and north-east of the North Island, which are in every way suitable for closer settlement if fertility can be induced., That has been proved possible in certain districts, and the Minister stated that this work must precede the establishment of farms. His conclusions are sound. There are many Taranaki settlers who can remember the'grim struggle to turn firstclass lands in the forest into profitable farms and they know, too, how many failed in the attempt after efforts that were heroic. To put unemployed men and women on to pumice land without capital, and perhaps without experience, would be cruel to them and disastrous to the community. With pastures established, a certain amount of subdivision and accommodation provided, and some further assistance available there is the possibility of success ahead, though it will mean hard work and consistent effort. The same applies to the Galatea estate purchased by the Government for closer settlement. Some of that land could have been sub-divided at once, but a good deal required to be “broken in” before being offered in small blocks. Mr. Ransom decided to do the breaking in before offering the land for selection, and has made his plans accordingly. The estate has been worked as a whole while reading and fencing have proceeded as pastures have been established. It is satisfactory to note that the estate is paying its way while this is being done. When pastures are assured sub-division will follow, and assistance in buildings, fencing, water supply and expert advice will be given the new settlers. All this constitutes planned instead of haphazard land settlement, and the Minister’s efforts will be watched with considerable interest and sympathy.