GALATEA ESTATE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 53, 2 March 1945, Page 5

GALATEA ESTATE

SETTLEMENTS FOR EX-SOLDIERS

MINISTER'S NEW SCHEME The success of the repeated representations of the Whakatane County Council and' the local branch of the R.S.A. to the Minister of Crown Lands with regard to the cutting up of Galatea as> a suitable soldier settlement in the 1 post-war scheme for rehabilitation is indicated in a letter received by the Whakatane County Council at its meeting last Tuesday. The letter caused an agreeable ventilation among Councillors who decided to write thanking the Minister for his decision and far-sighted interest. "It has been decided," wrote the Minister, "for the next milking season to make fifteen farms which are now being slharemilked'. These will be placed at the disposal of ex-service-men and are fully equipped with buildings. In addition, consideration will be given to the opening up of further areas for the 1946-47 season. It is proposed that at last twenty be opened up in this manner, but this will be mainly contingent on buildings being erected. You can-rest assured that every endeavour will be made to haye these farms available as soon as possible." The above letter concludes a year-old controversy with regard to Galatea and should mark the turning point if adihered to in the final settlement and consolidation of this important inland plain.