THE HAURAKI PLAINS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXV, Issue 13056, 26 April 1910, Page 4

THE HAURAKI PLAINS.

The Government scorns to have missed an exceptional opportunity to retain a. valuable asset, in deciding to offer the rich Hauraki Plains (Piako Swamp) lands on the optional system. The land, which will bo open for application, and submitted to auction on May 13th, has been reclaimed from the swamp, and is of such exceptional fertility, with the additional advantage of a genial climate, that it will grow almost anything. With a few years’ cultivation it should become one of the finest districts in New' Zealand, and should afford special advantages to those wishing to obtain land, but who have msnfllicent capital to pay the high I prices which so many private landowners arc asking. Were the Government to retain the Hauraki Plains among the national assets, it would have an assured income therefrom for all time. But apparently the Ministry’s fatal subservience to tho Tory cry for tho freehold won’t allow' it to consider the advantages of having a continuous income. So the land will be cither sold outright, or sold with purchasing clauses. It will bring a quick return in the lump. but. when the .lump is dissipated, as it soon will ho, there will bo the end of it. Then the Government. will, look round for more land to sell. And ■when it has sold all the land it has power to dispose of, the people of New Zealand y/ill have the. doubtful satisfaction of knowing that they have had a gorgeous time'in spending the purchase money. It is doubtful, liow'ever, if they will derive much satisfaction from the .fact that, when that time comes, they have no more to spend.