SECOND-CLASS LAND

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 53, 26 November 1926, Page 10

SECOND-CLASS LAND

PROBLEM OF BREAKING-IN

USE OF BRITISH CAPITAL AND LABOUR

The inter-dependent questions of attracting British capital, bringing out British labour, and cultivating the sec-ond-class lands of the Dominion were discussed at, some length yesterday by the delegates to the Associated Chambers of Commerce Conference.

The subject was brought up by the following Wellington remit;—“That this conference is of opinion that private British capital applied to ‘breaking in’ the second-class lauds of the Dominion affords a thoroughly efficient solution of the question of the ability of the Dominion to satisfactorily absorb a largely increased number of British migrants, and at the same time—(j.) provide sound and remunerative investments for private investors; (ii.) ensure the best system of selection of migrants; (iii.) offer guarantee of work and housing, and the necessary training for them to become New Zealand producers." In moving the adoption of the remit Mr. A. L- Hunt said that the scheme was probably discussed at the Imperial Conference, and the Prime Minister would have something to say about it when he returned to New Zealand. There were some who thought that the flow of migrants could be turned on or off whenever desired. If however, thev checked the stream it' would take ’ years to get going again. It was essential that they keep on getting the best type of immigrant. He’contended that a portion of the second-class lands could be developed, but said that they’ had to be dealt with in large areas. It had to be proved to the British investor that it was a profiable proposition to take up those lands and develop them, but it was useless to bring out immigrants for that purpose unless the scheme was properly organised, and unless British capital came with them. Mr. J. B. Richards (Stratford) said thev bad to recognise that the sec-ond'-class lands constituted the greatest problem facing the country at the present time. No man knew more about tlie difficulties of the problem than the Minister of Lands (the Hon. A. D. McLeod), and he had shown great courage in tackling it. It was to be regretted that much land was being abandoned. One option was given in this remit. The British investor was to be told, “Go on, invest vour money; it’s a sound proposition, vet the fact stared them in the face that the Department of Lauds did not know what to do with it! ~ The president, Dlr. A. H. Mackrell, said thev had misjudged the time for the remit. Improved farms were not paving and many of them were empty. “We should straighten up the settled farmers before we do anything else, he said, and delegates said “Hear, hear.” If British investors were asked Here with their money, the president continued, thev would be disappointed and frightened awav for all future time. in replv, Mr. Hunt stated that the scheme looked to the future. It might be five years before it would operate, and it had nothing to do with deteriorated lands. Who could say that the irrigating of Central Otago was not pavable? It had been proved one of the best investments in any part of the world. The remit was lost by 17 votes to