BRYANT SCHEME

Waikato Independent, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3420, 15 February 1936, Page 5

BRYANT SCHEME

AUSTRALIAN CANON'S PRAISE

"THE WAY TO INDEPENDENCE"

"I can sec great possibilities in this scheme—not only is it giving unemployed an occupation and a home, but it is, above all, showing them the way to independence, declared Canon R. B. S. Hammond, well-known Australian social worker and pioneer of the Hammondville settlement near Sydney, after inspecting the Roto-o-rangi block ol the Waikato Land Settlement Society this week. Mr Hammond, who is paying a brief visit to the Dominion, accompanied the chairman of directors of the society, Mr I). V. Bryant, on a tour of the settlement. Mr Hammond's scheme is primarily designed to offer security to homeless families in Sydney, but it has many points in common with work in the Waikato, although Mr Rryant's society is primarily concerned with settling unemployed on the land. The psychological effect, however, according to Mr Hammond is much the same.

Mr Hammond, after a thorough inspection of the 1400 acres of the block, expressed the opinion that the area was most suitable for settlement, although it was difficult to believe from the present verdant condition of the pasture that the land had been broken in from virgin scrub-covered country within the short space of two or three years. He had been particularly .impressed with the homely type of cottage that was provided for the settlers and the facilities that were afforded them.

"In Sydney we have tried very successfully to establish city men who are homeless in a city home; in the Waikato you are settling potential farmers on the land. It is a wonderful asset to the community," added Mr Hammond.

The steady improvement in the quality of the land and the consolidation of the pastures in recent months have been marked features of the last year's progress at Kairangi. The block is now well stocked with sheep and cattle and luscious pasture, even on the steep hillsides, is available. Large paddocks of oats are being cut and further sections of land are being put under the plough. A start has been made with the erection of the milk'ingshed for the settlers.