LAND SETTLEMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19758, 13 December 1935, Page 6

LAND SETTLEMENT.

STATEMENT OF POLICY.

HON. F. -LANGSTONE’S VIEW

(Ry Tolegrapn—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Thursday

In summing up the objectives of [lie land settlement, policy he wished lo carry out, the Minister of Lands, Hie Hem. I<\ l.angstono, said it was desired lo settle men on Hie land under conditions which would assure success. ]f ;i man was not successlul it would not he tho fault of Hie land or ol' Hie conditions, hut would lie evidence that the settler was not suitable. “The farming industry is New Zealand's basic industry and will continue to he so for years lo -conic," said Mr l.angslonc. " There are millions invested in it. As I visualise my task, one of the big jobs is to keep on Hie land the men who are already there, hut at the same time we must provide for new settlers. There arc certain It locks which have been developed to a point, and in the near future something will be done lo (brow Ihem open for settlement under the best possible conditions. Tills will entail finding Hie necessary finance for their operation and provision of stork."

Cabinet, business is pressing at. present, therefore the Minister will not, until the new year, lie aide lo carry nut his intention of inspecting a large imuilier of land development schemes and areas for fill lire operations. .Meanwhile his officers are providing him with full information regarding the position of land settlement, to date, and Hie areas suitable for future development. Then the Minister will, usins his own phrase, so ahead with all possible speed.