THE WAIMARINO.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XXXIII, Issue 11278, 27 May 1891, Page 3

THE WAIMARINO.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—There is a report current here that it is the intention of the Government to cut up the Waimarino. Block into three hundred acre sections. _ If such is the case I am afraid there will be very little chance of the land being taken up by genuine settlers suitable for this district. I will proceed to give you my reasons, from an intending settler's point of view. In the first place, we are too far away from a market and have really nothing to depend upon but wool and mutton, and have not the opportunity that settlers have close to a town for dealing 'and disposing of produce generally. This land will probably carry about two sheep to the acre, and 600 sheep are not sufficient to make a living off. If it is the intention of the Government to invite a pauper class of settlers I don'fc know how they are going to live. Those that have a matter of .£3OO or so will "go somewhere else. Unless a man 1 cap see Jhis vr&y to have » little comfort as a reward "for his industry in his declining years he is not very likely to take the trouble to work such a small piece of land and such heavy timber to fall. The majority of people would like to see. say three hundred acre blocks, bnt the greater proportion six hundred and forty, and up to fifteen hundred. By adopting this plan, those that require help would be able to obtain it through working for other settlers who have money. I am certain we would in a very short time have a first-rate lot of settlers taking up land, with sufficient money to fall bush and make the necessary improvements that will ultimately result in a return for a man's labour and money, practically this is what every man looks, forward to. On the other hand jf the three hundred acre system is carried out a whole lot of people that have merely been waiting the turn of the tide, expecting a reform in the land laws of the colony, and depending upon tlio present Government to perform this act, naturally feel upoofc and disgusted at the idea of not being able to get sufficient land to live upon quietly as a decent settler ought to do and pay his way. With regard to doing away with the purchasing clause, I do not consider it of such total importance as what I have referred to, but it is the opinion of' a great many supporters of the present Government to be a great mistake. ' We are willing to put up with that, only give us Enmcient land to make a living on. We are not asking for thousands of acres nor have any desire to create a monoply. If you don't have somebody here with money how are poor people going to live ; they can't grow cabbages and hawk them to- market. It will take a man with moderate,means, six years' hard work before he will commence to get any return. It is clear to me this is no place for a man without a little money; there is no large town to fall back upon for work. Trusting this matter will be brought prominently before the Ministry, and that they will have the' good sense to see the necessity, for making the blocks a, little bit-larger in order to induce settlement of a first-class character. This is purel> a. grazing - country, and will be for a great number of years to come.—l am, &o.> ■ Settler.