BIG ESTATE PURCHASED FOR REHABILITATION

Chronicle (Levin), 14 January 1947, Page 7

BIG ESTATE PURCHASED FOR REHABILITATION

INVERCARGILL, Jau. 13. The wliole of tlie JSouthland Frozen Meat Company's Southdown and Cotswold estate comprising 5(j45 acres has been pnrchased by the Government for rehabilitation of returued servicemen. This is one of the best known properties in Southland and its progress during ihe 10 years it has been in the possession of the company has been watelied with close interest by the farming comiuunity. Soon after the (irst portiou of 2510' acres was acquired in 1931 the directors made a visit of inspection aud decided to bring a portiou of that piece into cultivation and prepare plans for a

homestead, stable and. woolshed. Later they bought the remaining property and embarked on a policy of speedy development and improvement with the ultimate aim of subdividing it and settling farmers on the improved areas. The direct result of the policy has been the rapid develoiiment of tlie land from an area of swamp and tussoek to its present condition. where it carries 2.4,000 isheep^ and laiijtbs and about 500 or (300 head of cattle. When tlie company took over tlie property: even a hack would have been bog-ged. in many. parts of it. Tdday There' islf pi-Uctically' 'uo pjace on tlie property. where it is> uo't jjossibl'e to :drilo a car.. Moderu machinery, unstiutcd ■cxpenditure, care ful planuiug and hard ivork have made it oiie of tlie outstanding examples ot rapid land development iu New Zealand. Althougli tlie two properties are adjoining tliey have been kept as separate units vvith Mr. R. Ruuoou as man ager of the Southdown estate and Mr. D. Home, as manager of Cotswold. The company has had tlie property under offer to the Government for rehabilita tion and soldier settlement for some time and the terms have now been accepted. Tlie purcliase price so far has not been diselosed.