The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1888. VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1829, 1 May 1888, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1888. VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Recently it was asserted by the opponents of Mr Ballance's village settlement bcheme that it was a huge failure, and when the contrary was proved to be the case m Canterbury and ( tago a turn round was made and credit given unwillingly to the fact that ■ m the South Island they were succesful. t. It was asserted, however, that the failure of them m the North Island must be set against their success m the south. The land m the north may not have been m every case suitable, but from information given to the " New Zealand Herald " by Mr H. Kavanagh wlio has been on a tour of inspection of the northern settlements, it would seem that few if any of the southern settlements could 'compare with the richness of soil to be found m some settlements m the north. Mr Kavanagh, as a positivo proof of the quality of the land and its adaptability to the purposes for which it was set aside, brought to Auckland samples of vegetables and cereals grown at the settlement at Takahua. This is what the Northern paper says of the samples, and anyone can judge for themselves as to whether the land is good or not. " A maize cob of well-developed structuro, although not of extraordinary size, grown by Mr Hansworth, is amongst the exhibits ; and another cob of 90 days maize, grown by Mr Bradley, shows the suitability of the place for this early development. Some splendid Hobart potatoes, grown by Mr Cutlin, would do credit to any show, not only on account of their great size but their fine formation. An onion 16 inches m circumference, is forwarded by Mr Woodham as a Rpecimen, not the largest of his own growth j and a splendidly- developed carrot, grown by Mr Hansworth, is also amongst the few specimens brought down by Mr Kavanagh. He has also a parsnip, which is chiefly remarkable as showing the great depth of the soil m which it grew. It has a long root of whip-like appearance upwards of 2 fret m length, and Mr Kavanagh informs us thnt ho had another which measured 3 feet 4 inches m length, but this was broken m his saddle bags while being brought down. } The village settlers of this district were exhibitors of vegetables at tne Kuitaia Agricultural show, and obtained against all comers eight first and two second prizes." If any industrious economical family cannot live and thriye upon land of such quality it is not the fault of tho system which gives them such a golden opportunity to make a real respectable living. The climate is splendid and everything favorable to a life of ease, peace and content, so that there should never be a syllable uttered against a system of land settlement, simple m itself and capable of proving a veritable boon to any working man of energy and perseverance Mr W. 0. Smith, member for Woodvillo when addressing his constituents tho other day, referred to tho disparaging remarks made by the Minister of Lands upon North Island settlements, and stated that if the Minister had travelled up his way ho would hnvc found cause to change his tune. The men who are located on settlements m tho North may not bo m every case suitable settlers, but taking the majority there are neither street corner loafers nor jncapables, bo far as wo can learn, settled on land under Mr Ballanco'g schemo. As time goes on and as prospects improve it will be found that tho continued establishment of Village Settlements on suitable soils and localities will bo followed bj most beneficial results to tlie colony generally,