BIG DEMAND FOR LAND

Chronicle (Levin), 4 March 1946, Page 2

BIG DEMAND FOR LAND

OTAKI'S POPULARITY GROWS MARKET FOR WELLINGTON Otaki extends to the propriertors an ever-inceasing circulation,' said the Mayor Mr C. F. Atmore, when told on Friday of the inauguration of a district paper. "It has been said; that a newspaper is the history for one day of the world in which we live, and with which we are concerned. The French General, Napoleon Bonaparte, took an entirely different view when he wrote: 'A journalist is a grumbler, a censurer, a giver of advice, a Regent of Sovereigns, a tutor of nations. Four hostile papers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets.' But times have changed. 'The Chronicle,' as a Horowhenua district daily paper, will be the means of keeping the people more informed of the daily events throughout the district Of the industrial life and sporting activities; the social events and other subjects of general interest. It will be a valuable means of giving wider publicity to the many attractive features offered to those desirous of living in the country away from the crowded city areas — 'away from the madding crowds' ignoble strife.' "Otaki has enjoyed a large measure of prosperity in recent years, Mr Atmore continued. Milk, vegetables, flowers, fruit, eggs, poultry and meat for Wellington and other markets are produced year by year in ever-increasmg quantities. Tomatoes grown in Otaki are sold as far afield as Auckland city. Otaki possesses some of the most fertile soil in the whole of New Zealand, and this soil is now being intensively cultivated in small areas. The climatic conditions are most favourable and droughts are unknown. During this season the rainfall has been bountiful, and the growth almost sub-tropical. "There is a keen demand for land in Otaki for residential purposes, as well as for market gardens. Factory site's are being sought after and the demand cannot be satisfied. From an economical point of view, it would be bad business for Otaki to allow its fertile soil to be covered over with buildings and.concrete, as is the case in the Hutt Valley. If Otaki is to be industrialised, then the industrial area should be in the stoney land lying immediately to the south of the Otaki River. There is no pleasant, happier and more satisfying a way of earning a living than by cultivating the soil and growing crops, particularly when the soil and climatic conditions are favourable.

"May Otaki continue to be for many years a dairy farm and a market garden for Wellington city, added Mr. Atmore in conclusion.