SETTLING THE LAND

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 234, 8 February 1911, Page 2

SETTLING THE LAND

THE LAND BOARD'S TOUR. TANGITU ANd"mAPARA SETTLEMENTS. "The Board was much impressed with the rapidity and advance towards settlement that has been made," said Mr. F. Simpson, Commissioner of Crown Lands, to a News reporter yesterday, when speaking of the recent visit paid to the newly-opened improved-farm settlement of Tangitu. There are 87 holdings in the Tangitu settlement, and the Commissioner was struck with the amount of the Toad works that has been carried out in such a short time. It was particularly gratifying to know that the settlers are contented with their lot. "The settlers with one exception appear to be in splendid heart," said Mr. Simpson, "and are well pleased with the prospects. The dissatisfaction of the exception referred to caused no surprise among his fellow-settlers, we were told, so that evidently they understand him and know what sort of a man he is." Thoughout the trip, which occupied twelve days, the members of the Board were continually being met by settlers explaining their wants and retailing matters of interest, and with whom views were exchanged. Leaving on the 24th ult., the Board went through to the Okau district, and on the following day on to Waitaangi North; thence by Tongaporutu to Mangaroa, where a meeting of the settlers had been convened for the purpose of laying several matters of interest before the Board, and then on to Matiere and Ongarue. It was from the latter place that the Tangitu settlement is reached, and a trip occupying two days was made, a considerable portion of the block being visited, and during which quite a number of matters of interest to the settlers were dealt with. As was pointed out, this settlement shows signs of rapid advancement, and altogether the outlook is very promising. Returning to Ongarue, which by the way is served by the Main Trunk railway, train was taken to Te Kuiti, from which the improved farm settlement at Mapara was reached. Here, also, the Board was met by a deputation of settlers on matters concerning the settlement, and a day was spent in visiting parts of the block. Members were again well satisfied with the evidence of progress on all sides, both with regard to the improvements on the farms and the advanced road works. This practically concluded the result of the inspection, and New Plymouth was reached on the return journey on Saturday last.