KING COUNTRY PROBLEMS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 May 1929, Page 8

KING COUNTRY PROBLEMS

(Auckland Star.) When Sir Joseph Ward’s choice fell on Mr. For I ics for Minister of Lands it was acknowledged that he had strong claims to the position, in that he was not only a veteran of the party, hut had been for many years a Crown tenant, and therefore could speak from practical exjjerience of that widespread form of tenure. Since then Mr Forbes a South Islander, has devoted; much time to the study of North Island huul problems, and his present tour again shows him desirous of getting at all the facts of a case at first hand and symrdhetie towards those who are faced with the difficulties peculiar to this province: He has ideas, and the late Government’s gospel of despair does not satisfy him.

During iiis tour the Minister has been brought face to face with the special difficulties of the King Country, and it is possible that he has come to the conclusion that in the whole of the Dominion there is not a district with a more varied assortment of land problems. The King Country “lifters from the effects of the slump; from deterioration of lands in the form of secondary growth; from soil deficiency; from ragwort; and from the fact that native holdings are dotted over it. Like other Auckland districts, it was settled in too much of a spirit nf reckless speculation, and it is probable that it would have boon better had a good deal of land that was don red Iwwmi n I lowed to renin i M in forest. 'Great progress was made, hut the slump hit the district hard, and rccoverv is retarded bv various other

causes. It is significant that only 12 miles from To Kuiti nearly 8000 acres of a settlement block of 17,000 acres are lying idle, and apparently special assistance will have to be given by the Government if the remaining settlors are to he kept on their holdings. The problem of native land leases is being inquired into by a Commission, and 'ho Chief Commissioner has frankly stated that it is peculiarly difficult. There is, however, no need for pessimism. The value 'of the country has been proved. It is capable of carrying o far larger population. A railway line traverses it, and flourishing towns have sprung up here and there. 'I lie Government cannot altogether neglect areas further from civilisation, but obviously it is sound policy to develop men a district as the King Country which is alreadv provided with n ,r " ■if transport.ami the amenities of civil--'sation. Vigour and imagination apulied to King Country land problems will bring a handsome return.