CORRESPONDENCE

Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1931, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE

SOUTH WESTLAND CROWN LAND

(To the Editor). i Sir, —Having recently and for the first time passed through a considerable area in Westland, crossing from Otago by way of the Haast Pass, I was astounded to find such extensive areas of Crown Lands, held by a mere handful of settlers. These areas comprise roughly 10,000 acres and upwards per run are, I am told, held under miscellaneous grazing licenses. Now I think with the approaching highway connecting Otago and Westland and the hunger for cheap settlement land the time is ripe for an : extensive settlement scheme to take ' place within this fertile and well watered district. The forthcoming visit by the Commission must, therefore, be hailed with delight by prospective settlers. Present settlers and the country generally. Let us hope however, that better ! results will eventuate than came from the visit of the party with the then Cominsisione,r of Crown Lands who came seeking land for returned sold- , iers. The practical results of their I trip as far as Southern Westland is j concerned are not pleasant to recall. I J suggest the Progress League assist j the Lands Department by bringing to l light the numerous sections held by absentee, dummy, and and deceased persons and bring about a re-offering to the public. The land in State Forests well and ! suitable for settlement might also ocI cupv their attention for practical ro , suits. Now appears to be the oppor- | t uni tv for Westland to awaken and populate its extensive and fertile areas while its mineral wealth might also receive more and more attention. II am, etc., I “CENTRAL OTAGO FAMEER”.