CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Waipa Post, Volume I, Issue 2, 21 April 1911, Page 3

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

In some quarters* there appears to be a slight misunderstanding regarding the provisions of the Land Settlement Finance Act of last session. Under the former Land Settlement Act, estates were purchased and subdivided by the Government and then offered to settlers. The Act now in force allows a number Of prospective settlers to form themselves into an association, on whose behalf the Government will purchase the land, and without b«4lot allot to each member of thi" Association a portion of the now subdivided estate. That this system will assist closer settlement there can be no ques* lion, as it affords the working

farmer with little capital an opportunity of getting sufficient well-improved land, on which to make a good living and a competence for old age. The Association is" required to pay down about 5 per cent. Of the purchase money, and then, for a period of 20 years pay the State 6 per cent. This includes 1% per cent sinking fund," so that, by the expiry of the 20 years Jhe farms become the freehold of the various occupiers. This system has been already adopted in this district, several farms having been subdivided, the latest instance being the purchase of Mr F. McGovern's farm at Pirongia by the Waipa Land Association of 5 members each obtaining about 130 acre sections.

It is understood that another farm is to be acquired in the same district at no very far distant date.