The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, March 25, 1915. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1378, 25 March 1915, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Thursday, March 25, 1915. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Mr. Hi), Nrwman, M.P. for

Raugilikei, speaking at Rongotea a short time since, informed the meeting that in his opinion land in the vicinity would rise in value to £IOO per acre. The land to which Mr Newman referred is not far distant from Foxton, and is closely settled and scientifically farmed. Sand drifts affect certain of the laud a little lower down in the Himataogi district and stretching towards the sea. With a little expenditure, these drills could be stopped, aud the fertile soil they are now covering could be brought into profitable use. Noxious weeds and rabbits are proclaimed a menace, and the Government compel farmers to eradicate and clear them out. But why in the name of common sense are no steps taken to compel owners to stop the onward march of drift sand ? These drifts could be checked at a minimum of cost. The trouble is, however, that the holdings are too large. If this land were cut up into suitable holdings and put on the market at the present values, sand drift or no sand drift, it would be rushed aud brought into profitable occupation. As we have pointed out, time and again, there are thousands of acres ready for settlement in this district, but no one stirs a finger to have it settled. The Government could assist in this matter, with profit to the State, by afforestation along the coast line from the Manavvatu river to the Rangitikei. This would form a break to thousands of acres inland. Messrs Newman aud Field are both champions of closer settlement and land reclamation, and we suggest to them that they jointly address public meetings along this coast and galvanise the people and Government into action. We respectfully ask Messrs Field and Newman to publicly express their views on this suggestion through these columns.