SETTLING THE LAND

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2596, 19 October 1915, Page 9

SETTLING THE LAND

A BIG PROBLEM

DISCUSSED BY BUSINESS MEN

The ordinary meeting of the Wellington Central Chamber of Commerce Council was held yesterday. Mr. C. M. Luko occupied the chair. The meeting considered tho question ot closer settlement, which was ono ot the main subjects considered by the conference of chambers. Tho following resolution was set down dealing with the matter: "That tho conference, having affirmed the necessity for closer settlement in New Zealand, recommends individual chambers to assist in movements having for their object tho placing of moro people on the land, and improving tho conditions of men 011 the land."

. • kuko said that the general question had been talked ' round from all sidos, and what was desired was some concrete suggestion which tho Governmentl could act on. Mr. It. Hall, speaking on the general question of farming, said that in this country that section of tho coramunity was better looked after than any other. In his opinion, tho farmers were on velvet,

Sir. J. Re id said that in opening up land the Government should see that the main road .was formed right to tho land which it was proposed to settle. Mr, Luko moved: "This chamber affirms the desirability of putting moro peoplo on the land, and urges tho Government) to open up Crown lands for this purpose, and also, as soon as nuances permit, the purchase of estates for cutting-up purposes, thereby placing moro peoplo 011 thoso estates, and helping to stop tho drift to the towns, and also further urges on the Government the better joading of Crown laud before submitting such land for settlement."

Mr. A. Leigh Hunt seconded tho motion, and said that something had been done by the holding of the local bodies' conference. H'e hoped that these would be held in every province when the war ended. There would be a time,' ho said, . when the townspeople would have to be. moderato in their demands on the farmer.

It was finally decided to consider fho matter at a special meeting, in conjunction with the question of settling discharged soldiers. Board of Trade. _ A communication was received, states that details of the proposed Board of Trade would bo submitted to tho council when ready. Mr. Leigh Hunt thought' that they should enter, an emphatic protest. Ihoy had been fighting for a representative body of about twenty members, representing every industry in the Dominion. Three Government appointees would not suit the case. Mr. Luke suggested that it would be better to wait for further particulars' before passing a resolution. If necessary they could call a special meotine to deal with tlio matter. The suggestion was agreed to. Amerioan Trade. 'A' reply was received from tlie Government with referenco to the resolution passed at tho conference of chambers of commerce, urging tlio appointment of a Trade Commissioner to open trado relations between tho Dommion and the West Coast of North and South America. The letter stated that' Mr. E. Clifton, in San, Francisco, was occupying the position in' regard .to n"u° esi ® oast of 'North' America, the whole question of trade representation of New Zealand in America was, however, being considered at the present time, in connection with Mr. Clifton's impending retirement from tlio service. 'With regard to I'he West .Coast of South America, inquiries made did -iiot seem to warrant tho expense of appointing a Trade Commissioner on that coast.

Samples of Oats. Tlio Invercargill Chamber of Commerce forwarded standard samples of oats. Mr. Leigh Hunt said that t'hey came about six months too late. For years they had been desiring standard samples from the south for the buyers, but tuoy wanted them at the beginning, and not the end of the season. It was decided to reply to this effect to the southern body.