Settlement of the Land.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 8, 9 July 1896, Page 2

Settlement of the Land.

i - — -♦- The report presented to Parliament on the transactions under the Land for Settlements Act shows that estates I of a total area of 541,966 acres were I offered during the year. Of that area more than one-half was found to be not adapted for close settlement, and was decliaed. Of the remainder, the ! Board recommended the purchase of j estates of an aggregate area of 71,877 acres, at certain prices, which, being approved by Government, were submitted to the owners and accepted for 15 estates containing 43,195 acres, at a total price of £214,627, or an average price of nearly £5 per acre. In that is included the Ardgowan estate of 4241 acres, taken compulsorily in terms of the Act. The award fixed by the compensation Court was £34,600, or £8 3s per acre. From the commencement of the system of purchase of land for settlements in October, 1892, to March 31, 1896, 28 estates of a total area of 86,919 acres have been bought for £377,553 6s, and the cost of roading, surveying and administration was £11,761 11s 7d additional. Nearly all the lands purchased under the Act of 1894 have been much improved, and are in excel,lent heart and condition, and the report takes occasion to state that unless they are kept up in this state by skilful husbandry, and by settlers who have the means to do so, they will deteriorate and fall in value. It thereby becomes imperative in the public interest that the conditions of the leases in respect of rotation and limitation of cropping, up-keep of fences, and so on should be strictly enforced. In the eagerness to obtain such lands artful combinations of families and friends lend themselves as applicants for some favourable section, so as to obtain as many chances of a successful draw at the ballot as possible. This a«tß most unfairly to those who do not resort to that practice, and the Land Purchase Inspector thinks some power of check should be given the Land Boards to prevent the scramble. — Times.