LAND FOR CIVILIANS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1921, Page 3

LAND FOR CIVILIAN S

j THE HOMESTEAD SYSTEM. WELLINGTON, March D “For the past five years, there ha been no Crown land offered for solec tion by civilians,” remarked the Hoi 1). H. Guthrie, Minister of Lands, t< a representative of the “Lytteltoi Times.” “Parliament decided to re tain it for the soldiers, blit we canno any longer neglect the civilian demand which must he satisfied in some way 01 other. With the using up of practically all the good Crown lands for oui soldiers, it makes it difficult to supplj the civilian needs with our limited areas,' Imt when the little season of depression'is passed, I am looking forward to a very active and close settlement of our lands by civilians.” This comment was made in the course of an explanation of the progress in preparing for settlement two blocks of National Endowment land which arc to he selected under the terms of last session’s amendment of the Land Act providing for a revival of the homestead system. The Minister explained that one block is in North Auckland, md consists of gum land, while a second block is in the much discussed ;mmice country. The survey of one is complete, and that of the second alnost ready. Regulations have to he inssed for the working of the system, md a hoard set up, consisting of gentlemen with financial knowledge, to nvest the funds which will have to he laid to the credit of the National Enlowment account as a set-off to the aking of the endowment land. The wo blocks total 20,000 acres, and unler the terms of the Act, the settlers j re assisted to improve the areas, and ill he given the opportunity, in due muse, of purchasing the freehold. The fillister indicated that the terms of urchase will he the exact cost of the md which has to he paid over to the National Endowment Fund, plus the lading due to improvements. "I am very anxious to get a. start on uch description of land—pumice and utn,” continued Mr Guthrie. “The •apartment in carrying out the homeead scheme will have the assistance f the best man obtainable with a nowledge of the methods of gettin ■suits from these classes of land. Hi Ivice will he available to the settlers >r we are anxious not to lot tlier ake mistakes in its handling. I hnv e utmost confidence that the mono; :■ will spend on these lands will b irtli it, and 1 am only afraid that tin nds 1 have authority to spend wil >f he sufficient to meet the demam •Inch exists, because scarcely a da; ■asses without an inquiry from would e settlers who wish to take up por ions of these areas. I hope to liavi hose blocks ready for selection withir few months.”