SMALL-FARM PLAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 140, 16 June 1932, Page 8

SMALL-FARM PLAN

STATEMENT BY MR. COATES STEADY PROGRESS BEING MADE. [ Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 15. In a statement, to-day the Hon. J. G. Coates said that steady prograss was being made on the small farm plan for placing unemployed on the land. “We are not purchasing the Land,” he said, “nor taking leases of entire farm properties. What we are doing is distinct from ordinary land settlement.’’ He went on to say that they were placing men on small, well-selected areas, usually about ten acres, with the intention that those who made good would later become permanent, independent settlers. Adequate steps were being taken to ensure security of title. All that is asked from the landowner is simple agreement allowing the Government the use of a section of land, this typically taking the form of a lease for, say, five years, with the right of purchase or renewal. The buildings and improvements remain the property of the Crown unless other arrangements are made. Already definite arrangements have been made for some 300 cottages for sections which have been approved, and these are being turned out and erected with all speed. Further orders arc being placed as districts officers and local committees make known their requirements. From three to four hundred offers of sections, in addition to those already accepted, are under examination. He mentioned that a certain amount of delay is caused by mortgagees, and ho pointed out that one effect of bringing competent and well-selected men into the district and opening the way to land development and improvement must be to strengthen the security for existing mortgages. Mr. Coates said that, as an off-shoot of the scheme which relates to dairy farms, the Government is supplying cottages under suitable terms to house the sharemilker. He said the history of the dairy industry showed that the sharemilker of to-day was the farmer of to-morrow, and opportunities offered in this direction would open the way for sound development.