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Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1930, Page 4

There will be general approval by all looking forward to the assured prosperity of Westland, of the action of Mr O’Brien, M.P., in again bringing before the Government through the medium of Parliament, the desirability of more land being provide/, for permanent settlement in Westland. At the present moment there are special reasons for the matter being urged. The experience this week when land wan open for selection at Little Wanganui, disclosed an earth hunger in a very positive i sense. A largo number of desirable applicants were before the Board for file seven sections available, and of course many of them had to go away empty handed. There are, therefore, many genuine applicants in tho district ready and,willing to go on The- land, and become permanent- settlers. Again, in -providing the land, the Government call do so on much hotter finitiioiai terms than in other parte of the Dominion; Relativelyj Westlaild land Is cheap compared iwith highpriced land in other parts, and at a time when prices for produce are depressed the men on the dear land have a more difficult problem to lace. With the cheaper land, and the lesser burden of- capita cost, the mun on Lhe land in Westland, is on|a much better wicket. Such being the case there is every justification for action in pressing the Government to proPeed with a progressive policy ol land settlement in Wefitlaiid. Actually the step has been promised over-long, and action is really overdue.'. r l here was a very practical suggestion put forward by Mr Forbes to set up a Commission of Enquiry in respect to land and holdings in Westland available for settlement, but the matter remains in abeyance. Such a cpuise would bo a step in the right direction, and should lead to a most important district development. We ],ave seen as the Great South Road has been pushed onward, that settlements which have been tapped and supplied with readier and regular access, have not failed to flourish. That fact has justified the prosecution of the work which it is pleasing to note also, is still going forward (steadily. The district has the room for more population and needs more people. Westland land has proved its productivity in regard both to grazing and dairying, and that established, the wav is clear for a definite policy of development. Tire Government is pledged to the course, and Mr O’Brien Is right in pressing for action. W ith the rising of Parliament, and Ministers free for general dntien, the matter should hwc the earliest attention.