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Levin Daily Chronicle, 5 March 1918, Page 3

Says the Wairarapa "Ago : For some years past efforts have been made to induce the Government to acquire the Balfour estate, in the neighbourhood of Pahiatua, for the purposes of closer settlement, but every effort has failed. The estate, which is owned by the Eight Hon. A. J. Balfour, is at present devoted to the grazing of sheep. It is admirably adapted to dairy farming, and would provide a good living for at least a score of returned soldiers. That the profits derived form the property should year after year go to an absentee, and that the progress of the district should be impeded for the want of closer settlement, is not creditable to the Government. Tho price asked for the estate at the present time may bo couriered somewhat high, but those ■who have a knowledge of values) are emphatic in the opinion that. it. would allow a £->,-><) margin of profit in norm.il times if if were occupied by dairy farmers. '.iVro does not appear to be. any excuse lor 'he failure of the • ernment to acquire the property. The indications are for easterly moderate to strong and backing by east to north. Mild and hazy iconcTfltionsi with haze cloudiness. The barometer has a falling tendency. . _ .