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Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1927, Page 2

The Minister of Lands has made a move at last in regard to a policy to deal with some of the poorer lands of the country. The proposal is an extension. a considerable one, of the principle under which bush and swamp lands may be held. The proposal is to give a freehold title free, subject to certain work being accomplished in a given period. The possibility of this being achieved depends on the man and the actual area he has to deal with. Indeed, the human factor enters into the matter very considerably, because there are settlers and settlers. Tn the desire to secure a home men with a little capital may be disposed to try out the scheme, hut unless they know something of the practical side of farming they will probably make but poor headway. In dealing with swamp lands many hard-working men have given a holding a good trial, but have not had the resources to hold out while the land is brought into profit. It may be the same with the poorer classes of land, They will require

tilling and top-dressing to give sustained pastures, and there is always the chance of encountering an adverse season to hold the settler back. For that reason the limit of six years to bring an area into the full value fixed ]>v the regulations, scents to lie too short. And there does not appear to he any alternative for the settler who may accomplish what is desired by tlic Department in eight years or so. AYliat are his prospects of securing the freehold after his harder and longer struggle? Admittedly it will be a struggle, and all possible encouragement shoud lie given to encourage the settlement of lands now practically waste. At the same time history records in other countries wliat can be done in the way of intensive cultivation within a limited period, and the Minister having set his hand to the taskwill not be unduly hard on all triers endeavouring to make good. The scheme will develop many difficulties no doubt, and it appears rather to us, that it will lie a case of judging each settler on his own results. The differences in the land; its situation and general physical features, must all he taken into account, and above all. the individual and his resources, potential and in reserve in the nature of ibis individuality, will all be factors to take into account. Still, the proposal is worthy a fair and liberal trial.