THE PUTARURU PRESS. ’Phone 28 – – – P.O. Box 44 Office – – – – Oxford Place THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1928. REMOVING A STIGMA.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 238, 24 May 1928, Page 4

THE PUTARURU PRESS. ’Phone 28 - - - P.O. Box 44 Office - - - - Oxford Place THURSDAY, MAY 24, 1928. REMOVING A STIGMA.

THE proposal of the Chamber of Commerce to invite Mr. F. F. Hocldy, M.P., to Putaruru at an early date with a view to conferring- with him in regard to the opening up of pumice lands for settlement is a good one. The local member has earned a genuine reputation for getting things done, and as the Chamber can present a strong case some good should result.

The proposals of the Chamber do not in any way block legitimate enterprise, and so far as we are aware will be supported by the afforestation companies. The aims advanced are that an enquiry be held with the object of (1) classifying the lands for settlement purposes; (2) a removal of the stigma of “ bush-sick ” which appertains quite unjustly to much of these areas; (3) just treatment for settlers in regard to advances from the State.

The Chamber can present facts and figures to substantiate their case which are comparable to any obtainable anywhere in New Zealand, and this being so there should be no hesitation on anyone’s part in lending their full support to the above objects when the time comes. Too long w S some of the best land in New Zealand remained idle solely because no concerted effort has been made to expunge from early official records, a comment, which is not only inaccurate, but which no longer holds good in regard to areas which it fitted at the time.