CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1415, 24 June 1915, Page 2

CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Foxton has made a move in the direction ot petitioning the Government to acquire a portion of the Moutoa estate, on the banks of the Manawatu river, for closer settlement, The petition was presented to the Prime Minister by Mr Field, M.P., who represents the district in Parliament, and the fact that it contained the signatures of 500 residents of Foxton township and district shows the keen interest manifested in the movement. Mr Field pointed out to the Prime Minister that a large portion of the Moutoa estate Is very suitable for dairying, and that if the land were acquired by the Government and thrown open for settlement it would mean a substantial increase in the army of producers in the Manawatu, and a consequent benefit to the neighbouring towns and district. As a result of Mr Field’s representations, the Commissioner paid a visit to the Moutoa Estate, and in due course a report will be presented to the Government. The estate is about five miles from Foxton, and comprises several thousand acres of rich, fertile country which, if converted into small dairy farms, would be eagerly sought alter by desirable settlers in all parts of the Dominion. The land hunger was never more acute than at the present time, and there would be keen competition for the sections if they were placed upon the market. The Foxton people appreciate the benefits to be obtained by closer settlement, and are therefore anxious that the Government should give effect to their wishes regarding the Moutoa estate. — Manawatu Standard,