PUMICE LANDS OF THE NORTH

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4418, 22 February 1930, Page 1

PUMICE LANDS OF THE NORTH

INSPECTION BY MR. LINKLATER, M.P.

Recently, Mr. J. Linklater, M.P., at the invitation of Mr. E. E. Vaile and the Rotorua-Taupo Railway League, paid a visit to the pumice district of the north and in writing to us in connection with his visit he says: —

“Ten Parliamentarians in all were in the party and we spent a •pleasant, instructive and strenuous time. The morning after our arrival at Rotorua a trip was made to inspect the lands on and adjacent to the Guthrie settlement. We visited Mr. Parson’s farm anil after we had inspected his fine herd of cows, we were taken to a high hill Lroin which a comprehensive view could be taken of the rolling countrv that lies to the south and south-east! otf 'the Gjutlirie settlement and the ploughable country beyond. After going over Mr. Parson s farm, which is a credit to its owner, we made a start for the Guthrie settlement. We looked oyer Mr. Brooke-Murray’s section and were surprised at the progress made by this settler in two years. Fine paddocks of red clover and mixed grasses gave ample evidence of the possibilities of this country. Another stop was made at Mr. T. Jasper’s block which contained 1,300 acres. This settler has done great work with his tractor and although he has been on the section only a short time he lias made great improvements and deserves success for his efforts. Prom this farm could 'be seen many thousands of acres of undulating country along the Whirinaki River which seemed to nrc to be capable of being cut up into small holdings. “Mr. Samuel Dobbs and Alf. Gill’s properties were visited and we were surprised to see the fine stands of red clover, white clover and grass that had been installed bv Mr. Gill in the eighteen months he had been in possession. This settler had a wonderful garden which clearly demonstrated the productivity of this soil under proper management. “We returned to Rotorua for lunch and left immediately afterwards for Waiotapu. We visited the Government Forestry Service office at Whakarewarewa and were here joined by Mr. .Morrison, (Conservator of Forests, and Mr. Mur-

“A start was madeb y ear through the plantation that lies adjacent to the nurseries. Here Mr. Morrison showed the visitors the larch and redwood plantations, and gave interesting details of their history, after which the party proceeded through wonderful plantations to the Green Lake. “When the main road was reached the party made for Kaiangaroa Plains. Here a halt was made and the older plantations examined, after which the visitors were well satislied that this country could grow timber to perfection: Leaving Kaiangaroa the party were conducted through the Douglas Kir plantations which extend for miles along the plateau. The Government plantation covers no less than ltio,ooo acres. When we reached the old Galatea road we encountered a heavy storm and were pleased to arrive at Waiotapu hotel where we spent the night. We were met at the hotel by several Reporoa settlors, who gave us very useful information with regard to the country we were about to visit. After a very excellent dinner we visited the thermal sights which are a short walk from the hotel. Although 1 had been through this country on two previous occasions, 1 had never had the opportunity of seeing this wonderful region. It seems to me that this part of New Zealand is very much neglected as a thermal region, because it contains sights which are well worthy of a visit and would prove a great altraetion to tourists. We spent a very pleasant evening at Waiotapu hotel and Air. Hickey proved himself a genial host. We had motored 111) miles and we retired at a reasonable hour.

“After an early breakfast next day we started at li o'clock for Air, W. A. Parnham’s estate at Wharepaimi and an inspection was made of the property. ‘The area of this farm is 5,700, of which 2,200 acres is Hat. 1,800 acres of this farm is cultivated. The work of breaking in this land was started 2 years ago, and Air. Parnham expressed himself as well pleased with the results of his labour. Off the first furrow turned four years ago, the grass established, and is still thriving pasture. Magnifieient clover paddocks were! established, and an 80-acre paddock of swedes gave great promise. This crop seemed very vigorous and healthy and was easy the best I have seen this year. Over 200 head of Hereford breeding cows were mustered for our inspection and were greatly admired.

(Concluded on page 4).