LAND SETTLEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1929, Page 4

LAND SETTLEMENT

STATEMENT BY HON. FORBES

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, April 10. The Minister of Ijands (Hon. G. AY. Forbes’) stated to-day in regard to land settlement, that he was very pleased that settlers were getting on their Ceet, hut there were some, not many, who would require further assistance. He had asked the Crown Lands Commisdon»r- to select areas of undeveloped Crown lands suitable for sub-division and get surveys made so that settlement could be proceeded with when Parliament approved of the necessary finance being provided.

Until power was given lie could not legally assist settlers going on to an unimproved hush section. He was hoping that blocks of unimproved land suitable for group settlement would bo 'found.

The survey of a lilock of 20,000 ucres in Taupo-Potorua district was now being made and afterwards the area would he handed over to the Agriculture Department to lay down in grass. This would enable settlers to get some return from tbe laud from the beginnnig. \ '"'n stcr slid too high vri'-^s

were bein F oi r| f P*'i-vately-owned land for closer settlement, and if there was no change in the attitude on the part of owners, the Government will not hesitate to apply com*

pulsion. The Minister has decided to set ti r * immediately, Local Land Purchase Hoards comprising the local Commissioner of Crown Lands and three other persons to he appointed by the Crown to deal with offers of all land to the Crown and report whether it was advisable to purchase or otherwise. These Hoards are to review thoroughly the existing occupation rtf all suitable ’•"hl s in their districts, and wlT?re ex. pedient to approach the owners with

view to acquisition by negotiation or by tbe compulsory clauses of the Act.

An opportunity would he afforded the owners to lodge objections to the Hoard against compulsion. The objections would bp forwarded to the Dominion Land Purchase Board, which would make recommendations to the Minister. This procedure would preclude the possibility of any hardship being inflicted unwittingly.