CALL OF THE CITY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13795, 27 March 1919, Page 5

CALL OF THE CITY.

WHAT OF THE FUTURE?

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CJ IRTSTCHUKCir, Wednesday

Speaking a.t the Canterbury Progress League function, the lion. <.f. W. Kussell .said that Christehurch, by its environments, its surroundings, its institutions, and its all-round -.itfraeions, presented a lield for persons to come with their families and settle not I po.sses.sed hv any any other part oL : the ; Dominion, but when lie came to J o >!c o'i I the rural districts of Canterbury, ox- ! fending .from Kaikoura to Waiiaki, there was room for comment. The whole population d.id 7i:>k exceed 12,10,— 000. They would ask themselves this 1 question, whether, with a.ll tho advantages of early .settlement, the pro , , inee J liau been made what it might be. (Yoi- | cos: -''No. ") Canterbury would carry thre? or four times the population, and tho Progress League should keep that matter well to the fore, with tho view of encouraging a greater population and enI dea.voiiring to give the province its I proper place in the destiny of tho eounI try. There must be closer settlement : for one thing. It was not >i que.ition of ownership of land only, but as to its prolitablo occupation. Auy man 'n future who held land o-n the railway line and did not cultivate it ■adequately was failing in liis duty, and it would be for the Government to take some action. ! The days of big holdings must also ond if they were not cultivated as the requirements of the Dominion demanded. Before tho war 110,000 men were engaged in tho agricultural and pastoral industry. Of that number many had gone to tie war, and many would not return. The question beforo tho country was as to how to repair the gaps and increase tho population. Men in other parts had seen what splendid soldiers tho New Zealanders were, and many would, no doubt, wish to come to a country which bred such men, but he believed the best population New Zealand could have was that which it produced itself. Concessions must not be given to outsiders before those inside had first benefited. ! Tho census of 1917 had disclosed that 5-i per cent of the population lived in cities and towns. This created a problem that was significant. Were there any means by which the boys of the towns and cities could be shifted out and turned into the country. Men had in mind tho establishment of farms near 1 tho towns whore the boys could be en to see the actual conditions of farm life, with a view to encouraging them to follow agric'tnral and pastoral pursuits. The aenje of perfection in laaies , shoes, all models—strikingly dainty Hues in Rosio.•!• '•< Dorothy Dodd«t ani3 Ford'r The nnd finish are an liorb. Pri.-r'- ■ V> n '?5 S to 50s."—Carpenter and F■> ' h <> londinjr'footwear .iiPCi'lllfltS. :\*:-i - ■ .-'•♦ntl *