LAND FOR SETTLEMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 225, 28 January 1911, Page 2

LAND FOR SETTLEMENT

A WANGANUI AGITATION. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wanganui, Friday. A deputation of country settlers waited on the Premier yesterday and asked Government to issue a proclamation prohibiting the alienation of some 0000 acres of Native lands at Kai Iwi and Waitotara, at present held by European lessees in large areas, who are endeavoring again to secure the holdings. The deputation urged that Government should either purchase the land or take steps to have the same cut up in small areas and leased on behalf of the Natives to small farmers. The land was first-class and suitable for dairying. Instances were quoted of farmers on land adjoining doing well. One occupied 52 acres and made £315 from milk alone last year; another with 140 acres made £502 from milk and £O7 from the sale of cattle and pigs; a third area of 90 acres yielded £4OB from milk alone from 33 cows. The milking was done by settlers and their families. The Premier expressed sympathy with the deputation. He recognised that the land was suitable for the small farmer, but doubted whether the legislative power necessary to comply with their request was available. He would make enquiries.