PUMICE LANDS OF THE NORTH

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4418, 22 February 1930, Page 4

PUMICE LANDS OF THE NORTH

(•Continued from page I)

“We visited All-- Seoeombe’s property on the way to Broadlauds, Mr. E. E. Voile’s homestead, and there'we saw some of the finest red olovei' that it was possible to grow. This paddock was cut last D'eeember and yielded 5 tons to the aeie. When we saw it it was again lit lo out and was truly a wonderful sight. Broadlauds, owned and farmed by Mr. Vaile, was the next farm we visited. On llie banks of the Waikato river, 237 head of bullocks were rounded up. They were in excellent condition and gave evidence oC living on the fat of the land.

“An examination of (lie conn try in ils virgin state was made and ii, seemed hardly credible to the visitors that such line pasture land could he produced from apparently barren country. We motored over miles of good pasture land and wore particularly pleased with a wonderful crop of oats, which readied well over the height of the S wire fence. Oil different parts of Broadlauds mobs of cattle wore •“rounded up for inspection and over 1.000 head were seen. After a very thorough look over Broadlands, we were hospitably entertained by Miss Vaile at the homestead, where she had made very lavish preparation l’ov us. Mr. Wriglit returned thanks on behalf of the party and we made a start for Hcpovoa. “On the way a detour was made to the top of a high saddle in the valley, which gives a very comprehensive view of the Waiotapu valley, which showed very clearly the different farms of Reporoa. When we arrived at Reporoa- hall, wo were heartily entertained by the settlers who had put on a line banquet for us, and their hospitality will never be forgotten by our party. Several speakers from the Settlers’ Association made it quite dear to those assembled that in order to make a success of pumice land it was necessary to have, not only capital, but experience also. They also stressed the fact that many difficulties had to he overtaken before a man eon Id be called a successful settler on pumice country. “After 'Mr. Wright's speech of thanks on behalf of the party, wo inspected Mr. Gillander’s farm of 180 acres. This seemed to me a first-class farm and gave evidence of skilful and careful manage.ment.

“Mr. Dickey’s farm was the last to he visited. On this farm a very fine herd of Ereesians were grazed, and they seemed in the pink of condition. The land seemed to be covered with a sole of excellent grass, and gave signs of careful management. We left Reporoa and went .direct to the train where most of tlie party embarked for their respective homes.

“After careful consideration and examination of the different farms of the pumice areas of Tnupo and Rotorua I am strongly of opinion that many thousands of acres are lit for settlement when properly treated. 1 am of opinion that men who have a knowledge of the working of pumice land should he given preference in any land settlement scheme and if he has not sufficient money of his own should-be assisted by Government until ho is established on his farm.

“Cheap fertilisers of the right kind are absolutely necessary for success, and at present the high costs of transport arc t.he chief causes of the slow development of (his country. The present Government (made a. very disastrous-blunder when it stopped the Tnupo railway and lias turned .the hands of progress hack for many years in this region of great possibilities. “Thu unemployed are in evidence all over New Zealand. What more productive work could be found for ‘hem than the completion of this line. We found that hundreds of the unemployed in the Rotorua district were employed in cutting the lower brandies off the trees that would not mature for years. Surely these men could be more profitably and better employed in finishing a line at least to Reporoa. This line has cost the country many thousands of pounds. It is idle today, and .remains a inomiimentito|th-e disastrous railway policy of the United Party. “J just wish to add in conclusion that Mr. E. E. Vaile, and the Ro-torua-Taupo League, are doing a real service to the Dominion in bringing prominently before those in authority the claims of the pumice lands of the Taupo-Rotorua area.

“As one of the party that visited Ihe district, I wish to convey to them my appreciation of the excellent manner in which the tour was organised, and the kindness and .consideration shown to us by the people of the district.”