The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1930. LAND AND SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1930. LAND AND SETTLEMENT.

The statement published last week by the Minister of Lands in regard to the progress of settlement gives a distinctly cheering view of the situation. For there is now good evidence, considers the Auckland Star, to show that the developments foreshadowed by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Lands last session have already begun to materialise, and there is good reason to believe that they will exercise a most beneficial influence on the expansion, of our resources and tlio solution of the unemployment problem in the near future. The Advisory Boards and Land Purchase Boards constituted under the Act are now in working order, and are actively performing their respective functions. At the same time authority has been given for financial

assistance to settlers up to £5,000,000. tine of the leading features of the Government’s policy is the offer of financial aid to enable settlers to take up unimproved land and to carry out the improvements for themselves. Advances are now available up to 90 per cent, of the probable outlay on fencing, draining and grassing to a maximum - of £1250 in any one case, the land being handled by the settler himself. It is unnecessary to enlarge upon the immense value of such assistance to settlers on poor land. At the same time areas”6f Crown land suitable for settlement are being broken up and subjected to a preliminary course of loading and improvement, which will absorb ah increasing number of unemployed as time goes on. But while the Department is taking full advantage of the new provision for financial a.a to settlers, especially on unimproved land, it is also exercising its power of land purchase with good effect. Mr Forbes assures us that, in regard to all recent purchases, every possible precaution has been taken by careful inspection and independent valuation to safeguard the public interests. No doubt there are still large areas ol good land highly improved which can be broken up for closer settlement with great ' advantage to the whole country and its people. The Lunds for Settlement Act has completely justified itself in the past when it has been properly safeguarded against abuses. But we believe that the innovations introduced into the administration of our lands last session are likely to leave an even'deeper impression, and that the generous Scheme of assistance to settlers dealing with unimproved land, both before arid after occupation, .is destined to mark a retti turning-point in the history of land settlement in New Zealand. In respect to this subject it is pleasing to know that the Minister of Lands is to visit*Westland in tho near future. There appears to us to be so much scope for more settlement in the district, that we hope a comprehensive tour will be outlined for Mr Forbes, and that every effort will be made by the farming organisations to show him round Westland and 'see the country for himself. Much can he done in Westland with closer settlement, whilg Crown lands in the neighbourhood of existing settlements should also he brought specially to notice. There seems to be a special opportunity in the coming visit to do Westland a great service. Mr Forbes, in addition to being Minister of Lands, is also Deputy-Leader of the Government. He has a fine record as a successful farmer who began from very small beginnings, and he should see opportunities for others in Westland. We trust the local authorities and farmers’ organisations in Westland will combine to make Mr Forbes’ visit’ one of special interest both to the Minister himself and to the community. It is an opportunity too good to be missed to advanre the land settlement interests of Westland upon the attention of the Government.