LAND FOR SETTLEMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 75, 19 September 1911, Page 2

LAND FOR SETTLEMENT

A IIAKLBOROriGH PROPERTY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Monday. The acquisition of the HUlersden estate in Marlborough for closer settlement was urged on the Premier today by a deputation representing the Wairau by a deputation representing the Wairau Land and Railway League. The deputation pointed out that the estate, as held by the trustees, consisted of about 88,000 acres of freehold, and a similar area of leasehold. It was situated about 25 miles from Blenheim. Marlborough, it was stated, was suffering from the fact that large areas were held by very few people, 305,000 acres were held by eleven people, and it was urged that the law should be altered so as to limit the value of the land held by one person to £SOOO, after wbioh the amount of tax should be made much heavier than at present. Sir Joseph Ward said the high price asked had prevented the Government taking action in this, as in some other cases where the valuations of the owner were, excessive. Some change in the system of securing land was necessary to prevent the people having to pay exorbitant prices. In the present case he would have further inquiries made.