CLOSER SETTLEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1930, Page 2

CLOSER SETTLEMENT

OTAGO ESTATE PURCHASED

WELLINGTON, February 4

The Minister of Land, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, announces that the Government has made a further purchase under the Land for Settlement Act for close settlement tiiis being the Wilden estate near Heriot, Otago, formerly owned by Mr It. C. Acton Adams. It comprises 15,174 acres freehold and 8890 acres held under pastoral license. The total area for closer settlement will be about 24,000 acres which will be subdivided to the lies’ advantage. \

The Minister explained that the land is of excellent quality, and the property is one df the finest of its kind offered to lie Government. The proposed number of subdivision is from 12 to 14. The land is first class gracing country and a large proportion is suitable for cropping. Agriculture has been carried on to a height of 2000 feet above sea level. The Minister said that an indication of the nature of the property could be given from the fact that prior to its purchase .by""the Government it carried 18,340 ewes, 4320 dry sheep, and 310 cattle. An announcement would be made in a feiv days as to when the land would be available for selection. Mr Forbes added that as the new settlement would fill n much felt want for land of that class it was likqly that it would be sought after keenly.

WILDEN LAND BALLOT,

WELLINGTON, February 4

The Minister of Lands, the Hon. G. W.. Forbes, supplementing the announcement of the Governments purchase df the Wilden Estate, neai Heriot. for subdivision, states that surveys will be sufficiently advanced to enable applications to be received and the ballot to take place in the second week of April. There are 24,000 acres of agricultural and pastoral country in excellent condition.

The Government’s total purchases of land for settlement now comprise twenty-seven properties aggregating 50.000 acres. There have been 125 additional holdings created as a result of this policy, and a large proportion already has been taken up. ;