THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIV, Issue 3959, 11 October 1880, Page 2

THE WAIMATE PLAINS.

TOTHBKDITOR. . Sib, — Since Government advertised the aale of a portion of the Wairiiate Plains, several and various in aspect have been the notices in the New Zealand Press regarding them.' In your issue of the Bth instant, a " Practical Farmer " gives his opinion, and with your permission I would do the same. 1 he standpoint I view them from being that their value to buy is determined by the revenue they produce, it is necessary to consider the quality of the soil in its suitability for cropping or grazing, its position for' markets, and cost of taking your produce to them. ' Now, regarding Waimate Plains I *do not think it is such superior soil as many de- \ scribe it. To my mind it wants the essen- , tial of a good soil ; it has not a good subsoil, that is, a' good' clay.' The surface soil is of & j light sandy nature, resting on what I think ; is rather a barren subsoil, which looks as if it had experienced the action of fire in bygone times. Hence its unproductive aspect to my mind, and altogether I do riot compare it in point of quality to soils in the other Island. In their grain-growing capabilities the Waimate has to be proven yet. The light nature of the soil will start a good blade, and possibly carry it on to coming into ear, but I would feel doubtful of their strength to mature ; and even if they fulfilled all expectations climate comes into consideration, with the warm rains of early Autumn to start sprouting, thereby disappointing the grower in all his expectations. In their grazing aspect they may be taken as similar to the general run of land on the coast, viz. , differing a good deal in quality even over the 7000 acres to be sold. Regarding their position for markets and cost of carriage, they are not so well placed as land on this side of the Waingongora stream. All produce will have to be taken to Hawera or Normanby for transit by rail, the Waimate Plains Railway not being even on paper, only in the minds of over sanguine individuals, and it is likely to remain there too. All things considered, I think the Plains are grazing lands. The soil is exposed to winds, which shake the grain, and to Autumn rains, which makes it sprout, and last but not least, American productions will deter from more grain growing than supplies local wants. I think I put' a fair value in estimating these lands at 10s per acre per annum as rental. Everyone knows that ten years rental is taken as a basis here to redeem the freehold. Then the coat of improvement comes in. Fencing alone from pig-rootings will necessitate post and wire, costing from 25s to 30s,a chain. Clearing, even surface sowing with grass will cost as niuch. Buildings, supposing a settler owned two sections, say 120 to 130 acres, would represent another 30s or £2, making in all when in working order, £10 an acre, and the fact that land on the Hawera side does not bring much more, makes this estimate a fair and just one. Then come taxes over and above all, and here I am much surprised that none of the papers have informed would-be buyers that in addition to road and county, rates and property tax, a special rate of JLs in the £ is leviable over all lands extending' north from Waingongoro to Mokau River j and for what ? For New Plymouth Harbor, which will be of no interest to settlers on Waimate Plains, whose natural outlet is Patea. Now, as this New Plymouth Harbor Board have got about £200,000 on loan, I would suppose the interest and sinking fund to be somewhat like 6%, making £12,000 yearly to be made up by settlers in the aforementioned district. Further, lam led to believe that, failing Is in the £ annual value, the Board have power given them to increase the amount until it meets the required yearly interest. I trust, sir, you will tell the public and would-be buyers of their position in this matter, so that this very serious tax can be taken into calculation regarding the value of this land. I think, what with road and county rates, property tax, New Plymouth harbor rate, &c, settlers will have from 3s to 3s 6d per £ on annual value to pay for the privilege of being settlers on Waimate Plains. Another thing I consider the Government have made a mistake iv is that, as the, settlement of these lands is outside of ordinary settlement, both deferred payment and cash buyer should have been bound to occupy or forfeit their purchase. Is it fair or just to deferred payment settlers who have to take the risk of Maori disturbance (a thing quite probable) to see adjoining owners' lands, -which are lying idle, receiving advantages from their labours in the enhancement of their market value, or the making the settlement on them clear of all risk to person or property in a few years' time ? I think it is most unfair. There are many practical and experienced men in this colony ready to settle on the land if the land is offered them at its fair value, — I am, &c. Colonist.