A LAND DEAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1932, Page 4

A LAND DEAL.

' (To the Editor). Sir, —Your local in issue of 20th inst appears to express satisfaction at the fact that the rental obtained for the Cattle Resting Reserve at Hariliari increased from £6 to £2O per annum, but, Sir, had you given due consideration to the wants of the community you would be compelled to admit that the rise of a few pounds in rental is paltry as compared with' the greater benefits which could have been gained. Here we have a block of about 120, acres of first-class'land, eminently 'suitable for a small farm, and this has been' allowed to again pass into the possession of a sett’er who already holds many ‘ broad acres”. The other applicant for the section is a young married man who has been dependent on*casual work, but'is now ready and willing to pass off the labour ifiarket and become' that desirable asset, a producer, but is now forced to become a dole worker.

Ts this state of- affairs in accordance with the Government’s policy' of placing settlers on the land and encouraging the small farmer? Are there not posters displayed in the town asking farmers to "give, sell or lease” a portion ot their holdings ’ in order to- increase settlement and relieve unemployment? It would be interesting to know what response lias been , made ill Westland to this appeal; for it is, in this district that a wonderful opportunity is presented for closer settlement and consequent greater general

prosperity. . That the small farm at Hnriharf has not been developed as it should, have been is obvious from the fact that during the previous tenure the value of improvements effected amounted to about £3O.

Sir, I hold that in this case a per-, sonal and district injustice has been perpetrated, and though it may now be too late for rectification, I trust that in future eases,. merit and. not wealth may receive recognition from our Land Board. I am etc. A DISTRICT WELL-WISHER. Hokitika, October 25, 1932.