A PROMISING SOLDIER SETTLEMENT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 228, 20 June 1919, Page 6

A PROMISING SOLDIER SETTLEMENT

IN REMOTE BACKBLOCKS. The Minister of Lands has received the following very encouraging report regarding - the South Waimariho Soldier Settlement. ..,. This settlement, comprising an area of 38,654 acres, is iu the Hetaruke and Whirinaki survey districts, the newest portion being 2s\ miles from Eaurimu and 32 miles from Kaetihi by dray road. The country consists of undulating unil fftiriy steep lulls, all covered with virgin hush, none of which is of any commercial value. The formation is principally blue papa, with sandstone towards the top* of the range. i'he block lies between Eetaruke Hirer mouth nnd the Mangupurua Stream where it joins the Wiiiiganui Eiver, to which some of the settlers have frontages. The first sections of the block were allotted in October, 191G, at which time there was no access by roads or tracks of any description. Now the majority of the sections are provided with'access'-by horse track, which will be made into a cart road later when labour is available. The total area of 38,654 acres was divided into 47 sections, d)f which 41, comprising an area of 32,899 acres, hr.ve been selected to date. Of the area selected 3260 .acres have been felled, burned, and grassed, and at present this land is currying 3500 sheep, 70 head of cattle, ,-nd 1 M horses. Thirteen, houses have been erected.. After the first'half-year's rent has beenlpaid, exemption from pßyuient of rent and rates. has been granted for four years. '

"The settlers as a whole are r. fine body of experienced men," concluded the Minister, "and I feel confident that this settlanient will be an unqualified success.