SETTLEMENT SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1930, Page 3

SETTLEMENT SCHEME

MERGER LAND DEVELOPMENT. WELLINGTON, Nip. 17, Surrounded py a targe swamp area, there is a block ot niglier .couu’tt;,, near vvliangumaririo, .oyer 200 j. acres in extent, which the Lands Depart-, liieut intends to make available iiu close settlement. It is possible aftei a fairly extensive amount of preliminary work, to provide .20 farms ol about 100 acres each, with , a certain amount of rough grazing also available at favourable times ot the reason, in the adjoining swamp country. To umvater the whole of the immense swamp in the Mercer district would increase the difficulty of disposing of the Waikato flood wafers. Which are dissipated to some extent over the swamp, and prevent the flood level lower down the river from rising to a dangerous point. However, the area which the Lands Department will develop is never submerged. It lies between the Wbangamarino and Maramarua streams, ox tending from the foot-hills in the oagi to the junction of these streams, li is characteristic light, country, ai: ploughable, and the process ol bringing it into production involves scrub bing, ploughing and gt.w-Mtig. An important element in the (scheme is that of road access, ft is proposed to run a road from the stream junction right through the block to ’he foot-hills/ and this will not only give facilities for settling the 2fXX) lores, but will provide iiiVproved access foi the hill country. At some subsequent, date a bridge could be erected across the Whanganmrino stream, with an overhead crossing "of the railway, and a connection with the Great .South Road, giving quick access to Mwo". The reading immediately required is four miles long, and this will give the settlers facilities for using the nver launches. The further extension , t<the Great South Road would be about, one mile and a quarter long. The work is to be undertaken by the Lands Development Board from funds at its disposal, and instructions have been given to the Grown Land's Commissioner. Auckland, to pre-nave detailed plans DminediatelV, no tV-+ they work can he put in hand- this sufrimerd • It Will absorb • a -flutuber of unemployed;.; and ; under the- terms ol the amended Lands Act these men can ballot for sections of the area "’hen it is ready for farming ope’u/S lions.