LAND DEVELOPMENT.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 293, 20 June 1929, Page 5

LAND DEVELOPMENT.

(To the Editor). Sir, —I note your comments as to the advantages of lands development in order that unimproved lands may | be added to the productive areas. I myself have been advocating this for many years, and we have the public announcement by the Hon. the Min- j ister of Lands that he will take in J hand the development of 20,000 acres in the Taupo district. As a matter of fact, the area selected is on the [ Atiamuri road, and the preliminary work is being done; topographical survey for roading, etc. Unfortunately we have to use the j tools left by our predecessors, who i had made no provision for such ac-

tivities. There is no legislative authority and not one shilling provided for such a purpose, but we are blamed for lack of action. What could we do but promise to take action to improve on the past policy of do nothing ? I am convinced that if the policy of land development at Atiamuri is adopted by Parliament, and well carried out, it will inaugurate a development of great national importance. But, Mr. Editor, we must not assume that this line of action can possibly meet our need for increased settlement.

Subdivision of private lands must be a prominent feature of settlement, and must be carried out quickly, in order to meet the prevailing unemployment. I do not suggest that we can put such men in possession of farms unless they have something to help them, and some experience. If we attempt to do so it would end in disaster for all parties. But there are thousands of men who have some knowledge and some financial backing who are anxious for an opportunity to settle, and by taking such men off the labour market we are leaving another place to be filled by one of those at present unemployed. Moreover, the ovement to the land will give an impetus to all other trades and industries.

My only anxiety is that properties should be purchased at true values, otherwise we might have a repetition of the disastrous soldier settlement purchases. And the second requirement is that subdivisions should be small. In addition to this every assistance should be given to private owners •to encourage subdivision. I find that the largest number of applications for financial assistance come from men who are worried to death because, or largely because, they hold areas of land out of all proportion to their capital. In conclusion, Sir, I would ask all those who wish to be fair, comprising, I believe, the great majority, to realise that reorganisation takes time "nd th 1 I i-n Government can nossiHv establish a policy till they have Parliamentary authority in connection therewith.—T am. etc., CECIL H. CLINKARD. Rotorua, June 14, 1929.