Mangonui County Times AND NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVE. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1904. Our Waste Lands.

Northland Age, 4 October 1904, Page 2

Mangonui County Times AND NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVE.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1904. Our Waste Lands.

right, what true, what fit we justly call, this he all my care—for this is all.” —Poi-k.

A Plea for the Domiciled Austrian. Some years since the Far North was invaded by Austrians intent on exploiting our gum lands. Considerable feeling was shown by the British community at the time, which led to the present restrictive legislation. Such restriction was warranted, as applying to the Austrian who landed on our shores bent upon accumulating wealth and then returning to his native land, but the majority will agree that the Austrians who really wish to become citizens have not" received sufficient encouragement. Duri% ojir residence in the North *wS have become acquainted with many worthy Austrians, residents of years’ standing, whose ambition is to become holders of property anch permanent settlers—these men have not the slightest intention of returning to Austria. If facilities were given, such as would enable them to acquire/ for vine-growing purposes, soine of the waste lands in this County, we are convinced from information received, that very many would take advantage thereof. The Austrians collectively require no fulsome praise from us; many people throughout the Noni. who have had dealings with‘•(hem, will bear testimony to their straightforjKardness and gejeral good/ bA Ryiour. The ijpte lands dftr are sitJ^uallil^oiS

such. Then let the County Council take steps to alienate a suitable area of gum land (that has been worked out), setting the same aside as, a settlement which Austrians who so desired could utilise for vine-growing, wine-making, etc. It is an accepted fact that a small vineyard (some 2 or 3 acres in extent) in the Hokianga Comity is returning its owner £OOO per annum. These figures give some idea of the immense wealth that is to be defived front the cultivation of the vine. We maintain that the Austrians, properly encouraged, would lapnch into the vine-growing and widegrowing industry, and speedily convert our waste lands into productive vineyards, and at the same time prove themsqlyes citizens of whom any nation would be proud. Steps kuVe recently been taken by Mr. M. A. Ferri, the Austrian agent and interpreter, who has been in communication with the (government for some time past ip regard to having a block of drown lands thrown open for Austrian selection. Mr. Witheford has interested himself in the matter, and has the Government to reserve/* block at Lucas Creek for their selection. The land in question has been viewed by Mr. Ferri, who was accompanied by Mr. Mueller, the then Crown Lands Commissioner. Mr. Ferri has also purchased several sections on the Wairoa, for Austrians who are desirous of settling on the land. He expects tft settle between 40 and 50 families in the Wairoa district within a few months. With the present fluctuations in the gum market, more and more attention will be paid by the Austrians to land settlement. Therefore it behoves this County to grapple at once with so important a question.