LAND SETTLEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 44, 21 February 1930, Page 8

LAND SETTLEMENT

(To the Editor.) ,

Sir,—ln your issue of 18th instant the Hon. Mr. .Forbes (Minister of Lands) furnishes a somewhat overdue statement concerning land settlement, and in the statement mentioned he makes reference to Dominion-wide criticism that has been levelled against his Government for more frankness, and also what would appear to' be delay in fostering settlement by making land available for those desiring it,

The Hon. Mr. "Forbes conveys the impression of rather magnifying the problem of closer settlement instead of solving same by concentrating .upon the development of idle lands, by moans of intensive cultivation that is so essential to bring about increased production.

I venture to suggest that Tvith prevailing economic conditions it is a suicidal policy on the part of the Government to feature purchasing highly-im-proved estates to settle merely a handful of now settlers. The Hon. Minister refers to the purchase of the Williden estate, as follows:— : "It is amusing—l will not flatter the writers by saying their criticisms are either interesting or instructive, for they indicate an astonishing ignoranco of facts—to read some of the comments of the Press (Eeform naturally) on this purchase."

I would remind the Minister that electors are entitled to their individual opinions whether they appear to him "amusing" or otherwise. Electors are also entitled to know what portion of the £5,000,000 (that was set aside for land settlement;) has been absorbed Ja

acquiring, for instance, the Williaen. estate, to' settle merely fourteen new settlers, out of thousands seeking -to throw off the yoke of unemployment or temporary sustenance from relief works.

In a somewhat lengthy statement the Minister gives no details whatever concerning the purchase price of..Williden or that of any other property.

Omission is all-important, and it is to be hoped that information on this salient point will bo made' public without delay.

To those who are unable to see eye to eye "with the Hon. Mr. Forbes regarding land settlement, he refers to'as "being blinded by party,prejudice." Irrespective of party polities, a Dominion-wide agitation for a vigorous land settlement policy on sound economic lines should take .precedence over petty party politics, that stand for naught when the progress and development of our Dominion is at stake.

An outstanding menace to combat today is undoubtedly the three-party system operating in Parliament, that ha 3 reached such a pitch that is it any ■wonder electors are beginning to sit up and take notice and ask for more frankness .from the Government not oijly regarding land settlement, but other matters of paramount importance to our Dominion as a whole? Electors are left •to surmise far too much, and should be enlightened either per medium of the Press or from ,the public platform. —I am, etc., T.A.F.

19th February