LAND SETTLEMENT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7178, 1 June 1891, Page 4

LAND SETTLEMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,— l notice a remark made by the President of the Chamber of Commerce to the effect that we should increase our population Tby inducing desirable farming settlers to join U3 and assist in developing the resources of this naturally fertile country. So far as those who have located themselves in Christchurch are concerned, there is no hope in thia remark of the President, as wo have no country left worth the fencing in, on which to locate settlers anywhere in Canterbury. We have reached the limit of settlement here ; possibly overstepped it. Are all the traders, mechanics, merchants, professional men, &c, finding a fair day'a work to do day by da/, or is their time really occupied only in a fragmentary manner ? If the latter, there are too many doing what is required by the community, and bo we have passed the real limit of settlement and life will not be really healthy until, say, 25 per cent of the town population depart. When I consider for a moment the wide-reaching effect of co-operation, I am of opinion that I have altogether understated the proportion of the town population that must make ready to be gone, and will amend the figure by making it 50 per cent, or one-half. Then will come the golden era of life to the happy remainder. Canterbury will be the happy home of a few favoured mortals and myriads of happy innocent sheep. To grow sheep well is a noble ambition. To rule a country so aa to grow grand sheep on its choicest, richest, most readily available lands is the highest effort of political genius. That lofty level has been reached by our past political chiefs. Will our present rulers aim at the same noble end, or will they attempt, think you, to grow men instead ?— I am, &c, AN OLD SETTLER.