AUCKLAND LAND BOARD AT TE AWAMUTU.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 87, 20 February 1912, Page 3

AUCKLAND LAND BOARD AT TE AWAMUTU.

On Saturday last the Auckland Land Board visited Te Awamutu for the purpose of inspecting the Crown Lands of this district. While in the township they were interviewed at their rooms at the Te Awamutu Hotel by the representatives of several local institutions, when many requirements of this district were brought under the notice of the Board.

Those members to visit Te Away mutu were Messrs Skeet (chairman of the Board and Commissioner of Crown Lands), Harris, Trounson and Johns. It is the intention of the Board to visit various parts of the province at regular intervals, and its endeavour to become more closely identified with the conditions prevailing throughout the many settlements under its control is a step in the right direction. Interviewed by a representative of the WAIPA POST the Board

explained that the main object in rview was to visit the Korokanui Improved Farm Settlement. This jLthey had done, and the greater part of the clay had been spent in interviewing the majority of the settlers. After inspecting the improvements on the respective holdings, and inquiring into the circumstances of the settlers, the Board found that in all cases the settlement was in a flourishing condition, and that the settlers were thoroughly satisfied with the prospects. Some of them had come from districts famous throughout the Dominion for dairying, and yet these people V' had said they would rather re- • main in the settlement than return to their original homes. Each settler was particularly • asked if there were any complaints, and all had replied in the negative: The Board was quite satisfied that a first-class type of settler had been secured, and is quite confident that the success they will achieve will be proof of the practical "nature of the regulations under which the land is selected. It might be mentioned that the settlers had been assisted by the Government in the carrying out S- of their improvements. Most of them had taken full advantage of financial assistance from the Government in the erection of comfortable houses, grassing, and fencing. Some were milking for the cross roads factory, and when they get sufficient stock for the ample feed they now have they will be assured of a comfortable income. The Board were also interviewed by a numsv.. ber of residents of Te Awamutu, and gave a favourable hearing to the many requests that were ' made in connection with district matters. Special interest was taken in the success of the Teasdale Settlement. This is Mr Skeets first visit to Te Awamutu since his appointment as Commissioner of Crown Lands ' (Auckland district), and the many favourable comments made upon his complete grasp of the requirements of this locality and the interest he took in various matters brought under his notice showed clearly that his appointment will be for the benefit of Crown tenants. Advantage was also taken of the presence of Mr A. Harris, a member of the Auckland Education Board to acquaint him with the views of residents in regard to an exchange of the present school site for a more suitable locality. _ It would be unnecessary to mention that Mr Johns, for 40 years a resident of Te Awamutu, was busy renewing acquaintances * with old friends, and showed ~f that he had still the interests of the town at heart.