CROWN LAND LOCKED UP.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 September 1919, Page 5

CROWN LAND LOCKED UP.

AREA OF 200,000 ACRES. TE KUITI. Sept. About 25 miles south of Te Kuiti the Crown has about 200,000 acres of 1111.1. The area starts behind Waimiha, runs to the rear of Tuhua ‘:Hil], and ext-.gnds right to the Tal'illg.alllutu Valley. Most of this e_nol'mous area consists ‘of heavy bush, and by far the »greater part of it is of very easy forniation, thus rendm'ing it very workable -from a. f.ul'rning point of view. It is reported to be of excellent qua]i.iy. The surveys are understood to have been completed seven years ago. There is some activity at present in connection with a portion, which, it is thought, will be Ithrown open for Selection by returned soldiers as soon as the necessary roading can be undertaken.

The question of expediting the open. ing up of at least a portion of’ this area was considered by the Taumarunui Chamber of Commerce, which referred the matter to the Minister for iL3.I.'ldS. In his reply, the Miiiister spoke of the activity that was being undertaken, and the Chanlber concluded that something was being done. It has leal'ne(i on good autliority, however, that only one man is being employed. This portion of the King Country is not well known yet, even to the farming community. Much land is locked up in large areas hold by the natives, and no development of any description has taken place_ Reading facilities are needed very badly. The only outlet at the present time is to Ongarue, but the road is only formed for a portion of the Way. The grade is easy.