MINISTER AND IDLE LANDS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1928, Page 2

MINISTER AND IDLE LANDS

“SETTLE SECOND-CLASS AREAS.” TE AWAMUTU.Nov. 3. Some pointed suggestion on the subject of settling wmste hinds were made by Air. A. G. Lunn when replying to the welcome which was expressed by Air G. C. Downes, president of the Tc Awamutu Chamber of Commerce, at a luncheon which was tendered to the commerce train party at Te Awamutu to-day. ‘lt has been stated by the Alinister of Lands,” said Air. Lunn, “that our second-class lands will not pay to bring into cultivation, and coupled with this dreary pessimism some of our farming friends have looked only on the dark side of things. The Alinister is wrong and the farmers arc wrong. Let us face the matter with the faith and pluck of the pioneers.” The speaker said that if our statesmen would cease to potter round and waste money on railway development, which was not urgently necessary, and would spend £IOO,OOO on the experiment of breaking-in about 5000 acres of unoccupied Crown lands they would find that this sum would be capable of providing 40 or oO farms which could be carried on by men who had been trained in our agricultural colleges. The costs of development and stocking could bo repaid over a lengthy period. “If this experiment suceeded,” said Air. Lunn, “it would remove the doubt of the pessimist, help to develop our country and by increasing the number of productive workers cease the heavy burden of general taxation.” “I feel sure,” added AL Lunn, “that thoughtful farmers and business men would not object to the expenditure of even £250,000. on such a practical undertaking.” (Applause.)