TAPUI BLOCK.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 283, 11 April 1929, Page 1

TAPUI BLOCK.

GIFT TO GOVERNMENT.

Nearly 8000 Acres Involved.

It is understood that the Tapui block of some 7000 acres in the Peria district was given to the past Government some time last November. This block is about seven miles from Matamata as the crow flies, or about 15 miles by road via Walton. Approximately 5000 acres of it are situated in the Matamata county and ; 2000 acres in the Piako county. The area has been in the possession of the Wilson family and others of Auckland for a number of years, and they have for some time been endeavouring to get the block taken over as a scenic or climatic reserve. Negotiations to this end were commenced about October, 1926, and the Matamata branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, the Matamata County Council and the Piako County Council have all been interested in the proposal, and supported the suggestion that the land should be taken over by the Government. In September, 1927, Mr. E. C. Banks waited on the Matamata County Council and urged that the council negotiate for the area, which he held could he secured at a very reasonable figure provided part of it was set aside for tourists. Mr. j Banks mentioned that half the area was bush clad and half fern country, and the hush area was essential for the rainfall of the district.

j The council, however, having no | funds for the purpose, could do nothing in the matter, hut it showed its interest and sympathy by instituting enquiries and later by approaching the Government with a view to the block being secured. In February, 1928, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Lands, replying to further representations from the the Matamata County Council, stated that as the money allocated by Parliament for the purchase of scenic reserves was exhausted, he could not assist in acquiring the block as desired by the council. Apparently failing to secure a buyer the land, which in parts is infested with rabbits and ragwort, was handed over as a gift. At one period it was suggested that the area might be utilised for a training farm on the lines of the Flock House scheme, and it may be that the present Government can be persuaded to make use of a portion of the block, for the lower portion, approximately 2000 acres in extent, is medium quality rolling fern country, fairly free of noxious weeds, and suitable for settlement in farms of from 150 to 200 acres. This is a factor which local bodies interested might keep in view, for, if part of the area is utilised for settlement purposes, some 15 or more settlers could he permanently settled on good quality land, which is within easy distance of railhead and markets, and the spread of the pests referred to more easily held in check. —Matamata Record.