VALUE OF PUMICE LANDS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3921, 21 March 1929, Page 4

VALUE OF PUMICE LANDS.

QUESTION OF SETTLEMENT. INVESTIGATION BY MINISTER, The settlement possibilities of the puanice lands in the Taupo-Ro-torua country is being closely investigated by the Hon. G. W. Forlbes, Minister of Lands and Agriculture, who this week began a week’s tour designed to bring under his critical 'attention typical areas in the far-flung tract of a largely undeveloped district. The Minister’s tour is of great importance, and his verdict on the country which is new to him will be eagerly a*waited, particularly in view of the favourable impressions formed by another farmer (member of the Cabinet, Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Public Works, during a recent tour. Mr. Ransom, however, has long championed the virtues of Auckland’s pumice lands, whereas Mr. Forbes is admittedly not yet strong in that faith, and as the territory is new to him he desires to make a thorough investigation before coimimitting himself to an opinion. He is accompanied by the heads of both departments covered by his double portfolio, Mr. J. B. Thompson, Under-Secretary of Lands and Dr. iC. J. Roakes, Direc-tor-General of Agierulture. THE MINISTER'S ATTITUDE. “The previous Government declared that it would settle a certain portion of this pumice Country,” said Mr. Forbes, in explaining the broad aim of his tour, “but it seetms to me that no proper stops were taken to ascertain actually what areas were available, and whether such settlement would be in the best interests of the country. There has-been a lot of theory talked abou't this land, but I aim anxious first to ascertain the practical side of the question.”

'There was no doubLMr. Forbes was well pleased with the practical results ho was shown at Rangipo and Hautu, the two piison farms rear Tokaanu, at the southern end of Lake .Taulpo. He was told by Dr. Reakes, however, that these farms could not be fairly regarded as typical of the general run of pumice country. Nevertheless, Mr. Foibes confessed that the results achieved on both farlmls within a few years constituted a striking Object lesson. Rangipo farm, which was started in 1925, now comprises 1500 'acres of grassed land, although very little permanent pasture has yet been laid down. Hautu farm was established in 1922, and 'its present area of about 2500 acres redeemed from a wilderness of fern, manuka and tutu is stocked with 1500 sheep and 590 head of cattle.

BENEFIT OP TOP-DRESSING. A striking example of the benefit of top-dressing this class of country was shown to Mr. Forbes in one paddock at Hautu. 'The paddock shoiwed signs of running to poor grass but it was splashed in places with vivid patches of luxuriant clover. The explanation was that a few bags of manure had remained after the treatment of an adjoining field and the drill was run haphazard over the paddock to use up the Imanure. One could clearly trace the course of the drill by the amazing growth that had sprung up in its wake. A departmental officer in the party assured the Minister that no land responded more readily to top-dressing than the pumice country. It is likely that the Minister will concur in the general opinion of those who have settled on this type of country that the land should not be fanned in large holdings, probably not more than 100 to 200 acres being ample for the man of ordinary means. Mr. Forbes agreed that the land should be settled by those knowing how to apply their industry intelligently, that is to say, there was a danger of courting failure in putting inexperienced men on the pumice country. In that connection a cleavage of opinions may be discerned between the .views of Mr. Forbes and Mr. Ransom, for the latter recently advocated a land settlement scheme for the district on which unemployed 'would be absorbed. Mr. Forbes said definitely that no decision had yet been made by 'the Cabinet on land settlement policy. Within the next two months he expects to have visited virtually every district of consequence in the Dominion and he will then be in a position to advise the Government on its 'line of action.