FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11999, 17 October 1906, Page 4

FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE DISTRICT.

The most hopeful feign iv thin aud adjoining districts during the pa»t few months has been the disposition of owners of large areas of land to subdivide into smaller allotments, with a consequent, increase of rural population and an enlarged productivity of the laud. Amongst other notable instances are the Brandon Hull. Lethbridges, Marahau. and last, but not least (so far as Wanganui is concerned), the Aries llstate, which it ia publicly announced ia to be offered in small areas immediately. Too much importance cannot be attached to the closer settlement of the country. Improved methods of farming, helped in no small measure by experiments conducted by the State, have made the small area more valuable than before, and if the science of the soil progresses in like, ratio to the advance in other branches, no fear need be entertained of the future of the humbler class of farmers, who, after all, are the most valuable members of the community, not only as a colonial asset and acquisition, but also from the local point of view. No town will thrive where a handful of men hold the fat land near by, whilst on the other hand the town surrounded by small settlers is healthily alive and in proportion to their numbers opulent. Coincident with the opening up of tho bush lands awaiting development in the back country, it is equally desirable that the richer and more accessible lands in the immediate vicinity of the town should be more closely settled, and thus we hope tkat the lead taken by the owner of Arlea will be followed by others. In no other way can the prosperity of the district be better increased.