Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, JULY 28, 1884. SETTLEMENT OF THE LAND.

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 206, 28 July 1884, Page 2

Manawatu Standard (PUBLISHED DAILY.) The Oldest Daily Newspaper on the West Coast. MONDAY, JULY 28, 1884. SETTLEMENT OF THE LAND.

It would be a grand thing fojr this district if the Government would take steps to open up the Mangatinoko Block, lying between JPijtzherbert and Mastertori. The eyi(jenee of surveyors is that it has splendid *foi,U areas' of magnsc^ns totara timber, and a naturaj clear^ ing suitable for a township, not unlike what the present nte of Palmerston originally was. We*e the Government to give settlers special facilities to take up land on the portion over which the Native title has been extinguished, and to bring m a Bill to make a special grant for construction of roads and bridges, a most beneficial consummation for this district would be achieved. We presume the great object of all Government land purchase is the progress pfiettlment} or,iapi)w

words, to get people on the land. Were the Government to begin to open up this Block, an era of prosperity would dawn upon this District. The West Coast Railway Company would have to construct the road within their boundaries — about two miles, when another ten miles would require to be made. Once a few settlers took up land — and they should get it on deferred payments, on specially moderate terms of purchase — the progress of settlement would make rapid strides m that locality. But without the Government taking the initiative, nothing can be done. We hold that it is their simple duty to move m the direction indicated, as thereby they would attract population to the district, and would develop the resources of a magnificent extent of fine country, which is now virtually a terra incognita, lying waste and unproductive, yet capable of supporting a large population, and materially increasing both Customs and railway revenue. Palmerston would be the natural market and central depot of the fine district referred to, and during the work of opening up road communication, its tradespeople would benefit to a substantial extent. The road would be a portion of the route which will some day be the highway to Masterton, and one of the moitimportant trunk roads m the North Island. We trust that our newlyeletced member, Mr Macarthur, will move m the desired direction at the first favourable opportunity that presents itself. His valuable experience m bush settlements should be of great service when such questions as these demand attention. That he will do what lies m his power to assist this district m the manner suggested, we are well assured, knowing as he does how essential it is to have the undeveloped districts made accessible, and brought into direct communication with the centres of population.