SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2032, 12 April 1890, Page 3

SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

Mr G. G. Ptead received the following letter the other day from a settler in the North Island ; “ Although I am an utter stranger to you I hope you, will excuse the liberty I take in addressing you. My reason is this : Although, personally, you are unknown to me, we are very intimate indeedjjas far as your public doings are concerned, and being with you in your resolutions proposed in the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce _ (more especially the second resolution), I will give you a little information as far as this district (seventeen miles from Woodviile) is concerned. This settlement was originally a Danish and Swedish one, settled nearly eighteen years ago, area something less than 1000 acres. The whole of the land immediately surrounding this place is Native property, and if 50,000 acres were opened in suitable blocks, say from 300 to 500 acres, every acre would be taken up within one month. Although the Native land here could be easily obtained, and in many cases Government already have a lieu on same, still not one move will they make in the matter. The consequence is that speculators are slowly hut surely stepping in and doing what the Government ought to do, viz., acquiring the most suitable and comeatahle blocks (and locking them up). It seems a strange thing that a settlement like this should be planted in the middle of the bush, and yet no effort in all these eighteen years be made to extend it. Such is the case here, and you may safely take it as an index of what is happening in a great many places on this island. Acquire the Native lands available and you will not lack settlers. You mention in vour speech that there is land at Woodviile capable of carrying three sheep to the acre, Any bush land there or here with improvements will easily carry that number. Bush falling here costs from 22s to 30s per acre. My only reason for writing this is that I admire your efforts to benefit New Zealand, and, above all I admire your horses. Don’t smile. Although only a humble storekeeper myself, I can assure you I want nothing from you, but will qnly he too glqd to give you any information I can anept this part of the world.*’