GUM LANDS OF NORTH.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1926, Page 1

GUM LANDS OF NORTH.

NEW SETTLEMENT SCHEME

WELLINGTON, Jan. 15

A new scheme for the settlement of the gum lands is to he undertaken by tho Government, and it is intended to throw open tho Poroli and Kara fields, some 10 to 15 miles from AYhangarei, under the new arrangement, the .soil on those areas not being as poor as it. is ill some other districts. Brieliy, according to Air H. J. Lowe, Commissioner of Crown Lands, the idea is to invite applications for the areas into which tlie guinfields will he sub-divided. The average size of the hodings has not yet been definitely decided upon, but all applicants for them will be examined by representatives of the Land Board, relative to their fitness and financial position. If, for instance, a man has £IOO and he spends it on the development of his section, that fact as well as the labour he has put into the place, will be taken into consideration. Supposing that the labour is estimated to lie worth £lO9, the Government will he prepared to advance up to £l5O, being 75 per cent, of tlie man’s estimated interest in the place. When that amount is spoilt further loans will bo forthcoming on the same basis. The land will he rent free for ten years, or such period as may he decided upon, ami the tenant will not he called upon to pay interest for some period to be defined. The land will have a declared value at the time it is taken up. If the value is, say £1 per acre, that amount will he payable by the tenant on terms after the expiration of tho period fixed of exemption from rental and interest. Should a tenant desire to sell within the period mentioned the valuation price for the property will immeiately become payable to the State before a transfer can be effected. It is not proposed to impose a residential clause in regard to the new scheme for development of the tracts of country which at present arc waste lands. The opening up for profitable use of the gumfields in the manner which is contemplated by the Government is in conformity with the views held by Afr W. Jones M.P., who has on many occasions 'conveyed his ’ideas upon the subject to the Alinistor for Lands. Tlie Comimssionor of Crown Lands was very much impressed with the possibilities in regard to conversion of (he Kara and Bo rot i fields into farm lands, and lie intended to return to Whnngarci next month in connection with the opening of the lands for selection, and also to inspect, other areas with a a view to having them brought under tlie same scheme.