LAND SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 June 1926, Page 2

LAND SETTLEMENT.

SIB. J. PARR CONTRADICTED

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

LONDON, May 31

At a West Australian dinner, the Hon Mr Colebatch, Agent-General, replied to an interview with Sir James Parr, appearing in the “Times” wherein the New Zealander has stated that group settlement on a large scale may ho possible in Australia, but even there they had failed badly, and the West Australian scheme .had gone down with a bump. Mr Colebateli said that Sir James Parr had spoken with insufficient knowledge of the scheme. Like all other great plans for land settlement this ln«l met with many difficulties, which were being overcome. The scheme had only been in operation for three years, and already 2,500 settlers, covering a population of ten thouasnd had been placed on the land. He considered the result had bocn magnificent and fully justifying Bankers and Amery’s recent report stating “Success far exceeds my most sanguine and pre-eonceivcd expectations. It is working out most hopefully, and promises to be one of tbe most hopeful ventures in a large scale of Government-assisted migration.”

Mr Colebatch added: “The West Australian Government and people were never so absolutely confident of the ultimate success of the group system. The present- Government vie in enthusiam with the Government which initiated the scheme and last week requisitioned a further seventy families. When the Commonwealth completes the arrangements, which are at present under discussion. West Australia will take an increasing number of settlors. The majority of the present migrants are extremely confident and satisfied.’’