CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 450, 6 February 1909, Page 2

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

As we previously mentioned in these columns the chief plank in Mr Ed. Newman’s political platform during the general election campaign, so far as Foxton is concerned, was his advocacy of closer settlement. He referred to the large tract of land suitable for this purpose. Observation shows us that the prosperity of every town or borough depends largely upon the close settlement of adjacent lands. There are thousands of acres in this district capable of producing ten times the amount of wealth than obtains at present. There are hundreds of people hungering for small holdings. There is a Government in office whose strong foundation is and has been its lands for settlement policy and assisting desirable settlers to acquire holdings, thereby increasing our wealth and productiveness. We have a member ready and willing to assist in bringing about this desirable state of affairs. If, however, he is to ask the Government to inspect land in this district with a view to acquiring same for close settlement, we must not allow him to plough a lonely furrow. He has given us a lead. It is now for local residents to sign a petition to the Government thereby strengthening the member’s hands. If Foxton is alive to its interests it will lose no time in getting a move on. Mr Newman will be here at an early date and we suggest that a number of townspeople meet him and arrange the initial details.