NO LAND HUNGER.

Timaru Herald, Volume C, Issue 15304, 25 March 1914, Page 9

NO LAND HUNGER.

— FOE, SOUTHLAND LAND. That farmers in Southland are not suffering from any form of land hunger was clearly shown, says last Saturday's "Southland .Times." 'by the result of the opening for selection' of the Ardlutsa and Waiarikiki settlements. .Of the- fifteen sections offered only five were taken up, and of the 17.030 acres the total area" offered, only about 4200 acres were got rid of. The- Ardlussa estate which was recently acquired by the Government, comprise.? a total area of 1'2.905 acres, cfnd it is described as varying from rich river flat land'and good agricultural downs to hilly pastoral country. Moreover, good results have been obtained from it with oats, turnips, and grains, the fences are practically new, and it is. reported as being practically free of rabbits, in addition to which all sections are watered by running streams. The ' settlement is-, situated, from, six. to ten miles, from the Balfour railway station on the Gore-Lumsden line. To cap all these advantages access to three of the sections is by good gravelled road and provision has been made for similar facilities- with respect to the remainder. Only three of the six sections offered were taken up. The Waiarikiki settlement is situated four to nine miles from Mataura, and access is provided by metalled roads. This land has also been largely cultivated, and is admirablv adapted for either sheep or cattle 'farming, dairying-, or mixed farming." In formation it varies from easy-sours and downs to undulating and flat land. Of nine sections offered three 'were taken up. The absence of competition was remarked upon by a '■ gentleman well versed m land settlement, to a reporter after the ballot. He pointed out that there had been similarly drill conditions jn regard to the ballet for other estates offered recently, and said that he ascribed the position to the fact that there was more land than applicants. Some of the land offered would probably be subject to. keen competitionwere it offered in the north, and he was surprised at the absence of wider competition.