LAND SETTLEMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18652, 2 June 1932, Page 9

LAND SETTLEMENT.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —In the -pre'sent state of affairs in New Zealand we must look to a vigorous Jand policy to solve our financial and economic 'problems. The Government is no doubt making an honest attempt ito do its part, although It is a pity that the Minister of Employment’s present land policy was not launched 15 months ago. It is to be hoped that the 10-acre farm scheme will be elastic enough to suit different men’s ideas and domestic conditions. The -age, health, and ability of file applicant and the ages of the members of his family all have to be considered. The trouble is that the Government is apparently unable to give relief workers full time, and in attempting to place 5000 men on the land with only £1,000,000, is attempting to negotiate rather a large hurdle. There are more than 5000 men, the majority of them qualified, only two willing to take up land under the Government scheme, and we must not forget all the young fellows between school and 20 years of age and the additions to these every six monthsIn face of this It is obvious that some private schemes must be launched and supported. Some scheme run by a man who can say “ We have the land, tho men, the money, and honorary supervisors." We have such a man in our midst in the person of Mr D. V. Bryant, and we who know him best know he can, and will, do it. Mr Bryant has found it necessary to have certain legislation introduced to enable him to launch his scheme. This should -be passed immediately, if necessary by Order-in-Council. By proving the practicability of it and therefore that it was a sound investment, the scheme would be adopted by others anil in other districts, and a great deal of money lying idle in banks would be released. As it is, one of our greatest troubles is the non-circulation of money and the consequent restriction in the distribution of the necessities of life. Many well wishers have written to the Government, setting out their pet -schemes and asking for -them to be put into operation at the cost of thousands of pounds to tile country. Mr Bryant’s scheme is entirely different. Under the legislation he requires he asks for power to obtain money so that the new -settler will be able to obtain money at not more than 5 per cent., so enabling him (the new settler), to keep his costs down. Without this legislation the new settler would bo compelled to pay at least 7 to 71 per cent, for his money, a rate which is really prohibitive. As far as the northern end of llukuhia Swamp is concerned 1 would suggest that the Government should purchase lliis area at 30s an acre and give every man in Hamilton, who is entitled to relief work and who is not on reproductive work, 4S hours per week on it. By paying a man full time he is ! aide to pay 20s in -the pound. A lot Of the work being done in the borough is necessary work and full time should be given. I am not advocating settlement, on the -swamp in tho near future. When the land is drained, improved and fully consolidated then the position could bo .reviewed. 1I would not expect to see the area pro- ■ I perly consolidated under five years

at least. The area being so handy to Hamilton It would be easily accessible from any part of the town IV more relief workers engaged for mu time more men would gain POrman--ent employment in Hamilton and business people would benefit. In conclusion I venture to predict that u some such schemes as these, the Government 10-acre scheme, and Mr Brvant’s scheme were put into operation, then Hamilton at least would notice a turn in the tide. —l am, etc., RELIEF WORKER-