LAND FOR SETTLEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 706, 30 December 1902, Page 3

LAND FOR SETTLEMENT.

INTERESTING INTERVIEW,

By Tolcgraph—l’ross Association. New Plymouth, last night. Tho Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, Mr J. Mackonzio, has just roturnod from a three woelcs’ tour of inspection of tho northern portion of tho province. In tho courso of an interview, a Daily Nows representative ascertained that tbero are fully ono hundred thousand acres of land, ehielly ill tllO Uppot’ MolfttU and King Country, well adapted for closo scttlomont. Tho land was much bottor than oxpectod, tho soil being good and woll watorod, and tho elevation low, a largo portion being opou scrub, and forest accessible now by old Nativo tracks, so that thoro is no difficulty in getting provisions and grass scod to holdings whon tho land is taken up. A great deal of tho laud is suitable for dairying, and tho other portion for cattlo and sheep raising. During tho tour horses, wild cattle, and p-gs wore soon in largo numbers, Native and imported gamo being very plentiful. Numerous swarms of bees were also soon. Much of the bush is light. Many of tho stroams aro suitable for canoeing. In an exploration by tho District Surveyor, Mr Skoot, in tho region of f he upper Tongaporutu rivor, discovered a pass through tho Maia range of hills for a suitable road from tho coast to Ohura road, tapping 311,000 acres of excellent country at a somewhat high elevation. It is understood that a vigorous policy of cutting up tho land will bo at onco adopted with tho view of throwing it open as soon as possible. Seven survoy parties have beon already arranged for. Tho only difficulty is roading. It is probable that burnt papa will havo to bo depended upon at tho northern end.