CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 209, 28 May 1908, Page 6

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

MR. M'NAB AT OHINGAITI. (BT TELEGEAPH.—SPECIAL COIIItESPONDENT.) Ohingaiti, May 27. Tho Hon. R. M'Nab, Minister for Lands, visited Ohingaiti to-day to'inspect a Nativo lease comprising over 8000 aorcs with a view tp closer settlement, Tho visit, was made at the request of a mass meeting held at Ohingaiti recently. The Minister was accompanied by Mr. Remington, member for Rangitikei, and was welcomed by a number of prominent settlers. Tho property is situated directly opposite Ohingaiti, on the eastern side of the Rangitikei River, and tho block contains all classes of land, some of it rich alluvial agricultural land, some undulating land, and. other parts splendid sheep and dairyiug country. It is now held by Mr. Ewon M'Gregor, who holds a lease for-about 20 years. The block is well roaded, and tho Gpvernment \yould be put to very . little, expense in cutting it up for closer settlement. whereas many blccks acquired have cost' tho Government considerable sums to road. Sections in this-block-can be so cut up-as to give a frontage to every settler ijy existing roads. ■ The. property is also well watered, and by furtlie- cultivation is adapted, for" all farming purposes: A good portion of this land lias already been cropped. The nearest railway station to the biggest portion of tho block is Ohingaiti, via Otara Bridce, the distance being between one and a half- and two miles. Mr. M'Nab was entertained at dinner by Mr. the Royal Hotel, and this evening he will bo onfcertainod at tho Public Hall by tho ladies of the district, at which gathering he has promised. to give an address. Tho Minister returns to Wellington on. Thursday. ■ , - *