CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXIII, Issue 9979, 3 May 1911, Page 4

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

.TO THE EDITOR.]

Sir, —Iv a recent issue of your paper I read with interest certaiu bright remarks made by candidates seeking municipal honours. One gentlemau, with five years experience of municipal management, decided that what was wanted to put the town on its legs once more was a jam factory. Well, we have all heard "about getting your name ou the jam tin," so needless to say that candidate was returned.

Another candidate put forward a reason why he should be elected— viz., closer settlement. Hence this letter. The idea of the closer settlement agitator is no doubt that, the land should be acquired by the Government, either by compulsory purchase or voluntary acquisition. The Government has been paying high prices to landowners for estates whose value is made by the public needs, and it is impossible for any Government to continue to acquire land at the present upset prices. Such a policy plays the devil's own destruction with the working settler, who finds be cannot pay the rents that the Grown must charge the tenant?, in conseaueuce of the exorbitant prices paid for these estates. And it is of no use to urge that the prospective settlers are willing to take gamblers' chances on the risk, siuce the whole people's credit is involved, aud they ate responsible for the money borrowed to buy these estates. Oue of the soandals'of the present land policy is the rebates aud remissions of tents, to Crown teuauts. These concessions are paid for by the landless workers, in town and country. The ballot itself is a lottery iv which speculators gamble, with the lucky marbles, and iv which the genuine seeker has a poor chance to acquire a sectiou, and establish a home. Before leaviug for Eugland Sir J. G. Ward stated it was impossible lor the Goverumeut to acquire estates at the prices demauded by the owners. Iv cousequeuce there is* a balance of i.10.000, unexpended from last year's vote.

In conclusion, I desire to point out to the agitators the remedy; that is, to increase the ordinary land tax, to au oxtent that would prevent the holding of large acres of unused land, for speculating purposes. That would reduce land to a fair price, aud enable the man with .limited means to procure a for himself and family. It would also greatly relieve the overstocked labour market in town and country. Thanking you in anticipation—l am, etc.,

LANDLESS