OPENING UP THE LAND.

Grey River Argus, 6 April 1911, Page 6

OPENING UP THE LAND.

GRiEY-OTiLRA LANDS AVAILABLE

Mr Seddon some time ago was requested iby several people along the Grey-Otira line who intended to settle on the land as farmers to ascertain what areas of land in "the Moana district were available for settlement and when the land would be thrown open. The reply Mr Seddon then seceived was that the land would be surveyed and particulars submitted. On further representations being made Mr Seddon received the following- letter: — "I have the honour to acknowledge the_ receipt of your letter of the 31st January regaidin^ the opening of lands about .'Moana and also between Crooked River, Poerua Settlement, and . Kopara. In reply, I have to 'inform you that inquiries have been made into the matter and it is assumed that tlie lands in qufstion are : — 1. 2,360 acres about Moana, the greater part of which has already 'been cut over by sawmillers. This Wock lias ibcct subdivided and .1,524 acres being- the area over which -be timber rights have been cancelled, are ijow in hand for opening. 2. 3,500 acres to the east of No. 1. Sawmilling operations are at present ibeing- carried out on this area. The ifield work in connection with the subdivision for settlement has been completed and the plans are beingprepared. Those sections from which the timber of commercial Value has been removed will be offered for selection at an eai-ly date. o. A largo area of rough precioitous bush country quite unsuitable for settlement and carrying good siwarilling timber the .accessible portion of which will be worked later. There is an area of 400 acres adjoining Lady Lake suitable for ' settlement but it has recently been taken up under sawmill license and it will probably (be some 'time before it can be dealt with. There are also some smal harrow flats along Evans River, but were the land subdividd, practically all that is of any value would be within the road reserve along the river. The hills are rough .and ibroken and fall abruptly into the river and the cost of roading would far exceed the value of the land. The royalty from the timber will amount to several times the value of the land for agricultural or pastoral purposes. 4. The Land between Poerua Settlement and the Wood Pulp Reserve. A large proportion is steep hilly country, portions carving- timber suitable for sawmilling an"d a sawmilling license is held over part of it. Until the timber has been removed, the land cannot be offered for permanent settlement. Tn the meantime, temporary grazing licenses have 'been granted. — I have the honour, etc., D. BUDDO, Acting Minister of Lands. Wellington, 21st March, 1911.