LAND SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 March 1923, Page 3

LAND SETTLEMENT.

I'll l' HOAIESTKAJ> t YSTE.AI. WELLING TON. Aland) 27. In reply to criticism made recently of the delay which has taken place •>* putting into opeiaiion the provisions ol section ii of the Land La"s Amendment .Act. PAUL governing the disposal of lands under the waste lands development system, popularly known as the “Homestead system.’' the Alinjster of Lauds (the Hon. 1). H. Guthrie) explains that two laige blocks in the Auckland and North Auckland districts, totalling some IG.UOO acres, and sub-divided into 81 sections, have been surveyed with a view to allotting section' when the Government is in a position to make the necessary advances. The question, however, has

si ill to lie decided whether these lands will in the lirst instance lie oliered generally, or whether discharg'd soldiers will have preference. Tee At provides lor borrowing imt mere than one million pounds in any tmniicn 1 rear and the proposed regulations provide for individual advance-; nt ex-

ceeding C 1 (1-jO being allotted to an applicant, as follows : Ploughing ami clearing £UAO. manures f.2'30. gi"*soed 1:1 GO. fencing £4OO, house and outbuildings £.*,00. water supply £lO4, implements, etc.. £2OO. total £IG-jO. Ihe time, however, is not ■et regarded ns being auspicious for undertaking the heavy additional financial responsibilities involved, especially in view of the fact that at present there are a huge number of surveyed ordinary C rown land sections which are available and can be selected liv these desirous ol taking up virgin lands, ami which, moreover, would enilier become revenue producing and do not involve the responsibility of making large advances. The poor North Auckland gum land' require from live to seven years to bring them into permanent pront. at an estimated cost of from £B. to CP> an acre. There is no intention of allow ng the Act to become a “dead letter." milled the Afini'ler. and a' soon as conditions become stabilised and vvnr.io.it it the lands will he opened as provided I,v the Act mid regulations.