CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2113, 12 February 1908, Page 2

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

AIINISTER FOR LANDS AT FEILDING. Pre&s Association. FE-ILDING., Feb. 11. During his visit to Feilding district yesterday afternoon the Alinister of Lands received a deputation a & Cheltenham, u kick pointed out the desirability of acquiring some estates in the district for closer settlement. These estates included Elkingtnn’e, Johnston’s, end E. J. Riddiford’s,. rthe latter, it being pointed out being an absentee. It was stated that -the land could be well cut up into from 50 -to 100 farms. In replying tile Alin’ster said it was -desirable -to have closer settlement in n fertile district like Cheltenham, so as to work t-lie land to the fullest extent. It seemed a pity that such land, held in such large areas, should be employing so fow people. He did not know any place -where closer settlement could be more advantageously canned 'out (than at Cheltenham. He did not like to have to enfore the compulsory clause of the Act, always preferring to negotiate -for a voluntary sale. Immediately on his return to WeHingt in -he would instruct the Chairman of the Land Purchase Board to communicate with tho owners of the -land referred -to, to ascertain whether they would dispose of the land at a reasonable figure. If .not, the further question would arise as to what steps the -Government should take. If the owners of large properties did not recognise that the -time bad come when the land must be subdivided they could not be allowed to block closer settlement-, ancl the question of r-.jmpa lsory -acquisition must come in.