SETTLEMENT SCHEME

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 12, 5 September 1931, Page 3

SETTLEMENT SCHEME

Press A Rsnrdation—

•"Post" Special Service.

large taupo area " investigation ordered by minister of lands 14-1,000 ACRES FRONTING LAKE

-nonvrieht.

By Telephone—

WELLINGTON, Friday. An inVestigation was commencea by the Government with a view to ascertaining the possibilities for development of a large area of undeveloped land known as the TaurangaTaupo Block, near Lake Taupo. In an interview to-day, the Minister of Lands, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, stated that adjoining the Hautu and Rangipo prison farms near Tokaanu, and fronting the shores of Lake Taupo, there is an undeveloped area of land eomprising 141,000 acres. Of this, 89,232 acres are Crown lands, 10,344 acres are native land, while the Grown has purchased .undivided interests in 18,356 acres and is now continuing negotiations for the purchase of further undivided interests in 23.560 acres of native land.-

"This large block," said the Minister, "warrants an investigation and I have arranged with the Minister of Native Affairs (the Hon. Sir A. T. Ngata) for his advisory committee in the Auckland district, in conjunction with officers of the* Public Works, Lands, Native and Scientific and Industrial Research Departments and the deputy manager of " "the Hautu prison farm to make an inspection. The committee commenced its operations yesterday and has been directed to expedite its report and when it comes to hand, it will receive prompt consideration.