LAND AGGREGATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1054, 8 June 1912, Page 3

LAND AGGREGATION.

THREATENS MANGAWEKA’S PROSPERITY.

According to the Mangaweka Settler, land aggregation, presumably of Crown lands, threatens the luture of the township which, by the way, has sanctioned electric lighting, water and drainage scheme. Savs the Settler: “ Matters have now reached such a grave pitch in and around Mangaweka that it not only constitutes a public scandal but the very existence of Mangaweka as a prosperous centre is threatened. Within the past month or so quite a number of holdings have been “ mopped ” up on the outskirts of the town and converted into sheep runs, the latest being the amalgamation of several farms into one holding of 2,000 acres ! This, unfortunately, is by no means a solitary instance. All round this part of the country over which the Wellington Laud Board has jurisdiction, the trail of the land jobber and speculator is in evidence. Year in and year out we have listened to the hypocritical utterances of blisters on the evils of aggregatu:-, but beyond this they have never given practical effect to their ideas. In this part of the country we now look upon any attempt to seriously tackle this matter either by officials or Ministers as a farce. It has the appearance as though even the Crown Lands Rangers are similarly afflicted with the nondiscernment of what is taking place all round. For they, of all others, must see what is going on, but probably in their case it is more prudent to be silent when their superior officers are so lax.”