The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 1926. LAND SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17. 1926. LAND SETTLEMENT.

Ik tke closing hours of the late session there was a short debate initiated on the question of land settlement by the member for Waitomo. The point about the debate was the repetition by the Hon Minister of Lands as to the rather pessimistic- views he holds in reference to the value of land available in New

Zealand for Crown settlement. M lien lie was at Hokitika some little Lillie ago, Mr McLeod outlined his opinion on the subject generally, and it would appear from what he said in the House just recently, ho is still as much confirmed to the same views. As Minister [,■ Lands, we take it, it is his task to deal with the land problem as he hnd.s it. If lie is satisfied of a certain set of circumstances, it should be his task to moot the position constructively, and not in a negative way. Following Mr McLeod’s views as he expresses them, it would mean there is not going to he much done in the way of land .settlement, while he is Minister of Lands. If that is so then the country is in for a rather disastrous time, seeing that so much of the progress oi the country depends on the primary production from the land. If Mr McLeod’s conclusions as to the futility of further settlement of Crown Lands are final, then the sooner some policy is devised to overcome a situation which negatives further development, the better. Something should he attempted to stem the position with regard to 2nd. and 3rd. class lands, which if Mr McLeod’s stand is correct, will remain fallow indefinitely. In addition to the Department of Lands, there is also, the Department ot Agriculture. These two departments are associated so closely that their work should he very intimate. And the duties of the Ministers in charge should be no less intimate. There should he some form of collaboration between the two Ministers and departments in the endeavour to see what can be done to promote a policy of land settlement. Mr McLeod complains he has many farms thrown hack on his hands. It wore better that these areas were let free of charge, rather than they should be left fallow and he predisposed to return to nature. There are those familiar with land operations, who could make some headway with the depreciated land if they were encouraged to do so, and that would lie preferable io leaving the areas a menace to all settlement round about. Hut if Mr McLeod finds the area of usable Crown lands circumscribed, there is still the Land for Settlements Act to work on. That measure was designed to out- up large estates where new lteginners could be placed on the land, and become useful productive settlers. Cheviot, and other important settlements were acquired in that way and for that purpose by the Liberal Government responsible for the legislation. There are areas in the Kokatahi and Koiterangi districts settled similarly. Now. with the fall in the price of land, it should be possible to acquire well placed areas where the same class of settlement might h° promoted, and a sure foundation laid for more and more production—which Ministers are asking for always. The land policy, or the need of it, is so pressing a matter in this country that too much attention cannot be given to the subject. It governs the widespread prosperity the Dominion may enjoy, and on that score it is a prime duty for the attention of the Government. It would he opportune now that the recess has been reached, for the Minister, and indeed, the Government, to turn special attention to this all important matter governing the material progress of New Zealand.