UNEMPLOYED AND THE LAND

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 272, 12 July 1932, Page 6

UNEMPLOYED AND THE LAND

E. EARLE

VAILE.

(To the Editor). Sir, — I trust you will pardon my joining issue with you when you say "the prospects of any considerable benefit from the small farm scheme in this district at least, are remote." From a lengthy and intimate acquaintance with the land in this area I say eonfidently that there is no district in New Zealand. where small farms are more liltely to succeed. As to the wisdom of utilising Crown lands or private lands, it is of course purely a question of price. llf private lands can be got for less than the cost of improvements it is clearly best to acquire them. And partly improved lands have a great advantage in that settlers can get an immedate return whereas on absolutely unimproved land the waiting period is rather heart-breaking to many. As to the particular 10,000 acres at Wharepaina first suggested: the title of the larger part is quite straightforward and all except two thousand acres could he put straight. Of course the principal objection to the purchase of private lands is the almost certain suggestion that there had been bribery and corruption in the acquisition of them — an unpleasant feature of public affairs. In any case, I heartily wish Mr. Jackson all success with his scheme. — I am, etc.,

[Mr Vaile is apparently under some misconception regarding the use of the term "small farm plan." We did not apply this term to small farms in general but to Mr. Coates' 10-acre scheme which has become generally ,i;own as the "small farm plan." There s, oi' course, an appreciable differuiee between a 10-acre section and .he average small farm averaging approximataly 50 acres. — Ed. Morning Post.]