GOLD FROM GRASS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 May 1929, Page 8

GOLD FROM GRASS

COHO AI.AN JI'EL’S CUANGEr-OVER. From a gold-mining eontio to a prosperous farming dislriet is the history of Coromandel, 'fiiis has been made quite clear to the Minister oi Lands, the Hon. 0. W. Forbes, who was entertained at Coromandel recently by the Countv Council atte. he had heard deputations and had seen for himself some of the farming areas. The Minister was ashed to open up lands reserved by the Forestry Department so that the production' of tiie Auckland province could be increased. At present these areas are breeding grounds for noxious weeds and wild pigs, both of which have been desci ibed as a menace. With toedressing, if was declared, the land could carry a sheep to the acre after it had been brought in, Stock off some of the best land about Coromandel bad been sent to Westfield and bad topped tile market.

Mr Forbes said flint the matter was. first, one for the Minister in charge of forestry, who was at present got.'): into the whole matter.

.ii Lite subsequent social luncLum Ur T. W. Rhodes, ex-M.P. for Thames, n proposing the toast o| the Minister aid .Mr Forbes was really a jolly good '■''llmv. and with that sentiment Mr A. ,\l. Samuel agreed. There were tlioii-

••'iids of acres of land in the dimmer, and Coromandel districts that should 'm thrown open for settlement, su’d 'lr Rhodes, and Mr Forbes bad coin have a look for bimsclf. They Imped haf as a result of Urn Minister’s vis : ' ' o whole district would benefit material I v.

.Mr Forbes said that when lie took up Crown land 37 years ago, there was one!) unemployment, and the laud settlement policy of the then Govern nent Imd successfully solved the problem. So, too, would it lie solved ■'r-dn with a vigorous land policy. II p. 'ess there was increased production From year to year then there would be difficulties with unemployment. As lie travelled round the country he had been struck with the fact there wore great opportunities for settlement. During the last ten days lie had gathered much information, which would be of practical use m forwarding the Govriinieiit’s land policy. Commando! ' ad a past to bo proud of. and it certainly had a 'future as far as land development was concerned.