CROWN LANDS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9092, 11 March 1908, Page 4

CROWN LANDS.

THE QUESTION OF REGRASSDK} Press Association. Blenheim, March 10. The question of rehabilitating the Crown lands denuded by bush fires caused much discussion at the meeting of the Marlborough Land Board, to-day. An offer from a settler to sow grass on part of the State forest; cut out, on which there had been a good burn, on condition that he be granted a grazing right until the whole block was cut out, was declined, and members of the Board urged that the Crown Lands denuded by fire had to be sown so as to prevent them being mined or reduced in value by ferns and noxious growth, but the Commissioner demurred to the Department undertaking the work, as he feared that; the demand for seed would raise the price on settlers. It was pointed out, however, that a rise of a halfpenny or a penny per pound in. price was a small matter compared with the amount saved to the State by keeping the land in good condition. It was suggested that strong representation be made to the Minister on the subject, and it was resolved that ‘the Minister be recommended to authorise the sowing of laud cut out in the forest and all® other burnt Crown lands as soon as possible, and open them for settlement. It was also resolved that 'in. all cases where sawmilling timber has been cut out of State forests the laud ha opened for settlement as speedily as possible, and it was estimated that two thousand bushels of grass soon would be required to sow the Crown lands burnt in Marlborough.