GALATEA

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 232, 23 May 1932, Page 5

GALATEA

("Post" Special Commissioner) .

MINISTER'S DEFENCE. DEVELOPMENT OF ESTATE PROCEEDS ACCORDING TO PLAN 0 CRITICISM "QUlTE ERRONEOUS"-

WELLINGTON, Saturday. A reply to criticisms of the" Government's policy in the development of the Galatea estate was made to-day by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. E. A. Ransom, who stated that the inference that blunders had been made in the methods adopted in carrying out the initial development work was auite' erroneous. "When Galatea was purchased in January, 1931, for delivery in March, 1932, it was confidently anticipated that a proglamme designed to effect the settlement of about 120 settlers . eai'ly in 1933 could be carried out," said Mr. Ransom. "An important feature in connection with the purchase was the arrangement with the vendor, namely, that certain preliminary work, such as road construction, scrub cutting and fencing could proceed immediately the transaetion was eompleted. These works provided facilities for the employment of a large number of men at a critical time and financial. authority was made available to the Public Works Department to enable it to proceed with the work. As one of that department's reeent Ministers, I have every confidence in its organisation and I can vouch for the efficient control and supervision of the various preliminary works already carried out. "It has been stated that 'everyone is frankly puzzled at the complets , eessation of development work.' The position is that the road work is practieally complete, the essential scrub cutting has been carried out and fencing has proceeded up to' a point when any further erection will interfere with the proposed cultivation work and the handling of the station stock. These works all offered scope for employment' to a fairly large number of manual labourers, who were steadily employed until their comple-,, tion, when, of course, the man had to be dismissed. Second Phase "The second phase of the development work is just about to begin. This will include the cultivation and grassing of land-at present carrying indifferent pasture and the topdressing and reconditioning of the balance of the estate. "It must he recognised that this part of the development activity dogs not provide scope for a great deal of manual labour, but it is nevertheless essential in preparing the estate for successful settlement in small areas. It may be said, therefore that the actual development work is only beginning. It is not the intention of the Government to change its policy so far as the ultimate settlement of Galatea is concerned, but in the light of the present unfavourable economic conditions, my Department has a serious responsibility in determining the form of procedure. It must be remembered that a material adverse change has taken place since Galatea, was purchased, and this faetor naturally affects the chances of success of the prospective settlers. The early stages of a new settlement are difficult under any conditions, but those difficulties are intensified when the land, on being opened for settlement, is not sufficiently developed to ensure profitable occupation. Departments Plans "For many years Galatea has been worked as a sheep station and naturally, the regrassing of a considerahle area is necessary before dairying can be carried on. As a preliminary to .settlement, the Department's intention is to bring each section to a standard of pasture which will provide for at least a small herd of cows and it is not in the interests either of the State or the settler to allow settlement to proceed until this is aceomplished. "On account of the adverse conditions refeired to, it has been necessary to vary to some extent the original programme of development, but finance for the current year's expenditure is assured and I hope that the financial position will so far improve in the coming year as to ensure the . full development programme being put into effect. "I am satisfied that the estate is being handled in the best interests of the State, the taxpayer and the prospective settlers, and the public may have my assurance that the estate will be opened for selection as soon as practicable. "There has been no 'tragic waste.5 The estate is being handled so as to obtain a maximum return and to ensure that when settlement is effected, the incoming settlers will have the best possible chance of success."