THE DRIFT TO THE TOWNS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1919, Page 5

THE DRIFT TO THE TOWNS.

ENCOURAGING RURAL LIFE. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. Speaking at a Canterbury Progress League function, the Hon. G. \V. Russell said that Canterbury could carry three or i'our times the present population, and the Progress League' should keep that matter well to the fore, with a view of encouraging greater population and endeavoring to give the province its proper place in the destiny of the country. There must be ciosev settlement for one thing. It was not a question of the ownership of the land only, but as t(? its profitable occupation. Any man in the future who held land noar the railway line and did not cultivate it Adequately was failing in his duty, and it would be for the Government to take some action. The days of big holdings must also end, if they w»re not cultivated as the requirements of the Dominion demanded. Men in other parts had seen what splendid soldiers New Zealanders were, and many would no doubt wish to come to a country that bred Mich men. but he believed the best population New Zealand could have was that which it produced itself. Concessions must not be given to outsiders before those inside had first benefits. The census of 1017 had disclosed that 54 per cent of the population lived in the cities and towns. This created a problem that was significant. Were there any means by which boys of the towns and cities could be shifted out and turned into country men Tie had in mind the establishment of farms near towns, where boys could be taken to see actual conditions of farm life, with a view to encouraging them to follow agricultural and pastoral pursuits