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Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3487, 27 February 1880, Page 2

The County Council hare written to Mr Whitaker pointing /out that although timber rights are held over large areas of land in the Eauaeranga Valley and Tairua, certain portions of these areas are fit for cultivation, andhaving been denuded of timber are of Jittle use to the holders of th*e timber rights, and so should be thrown open for occupation under the land laws. No good arguments can be advanced by the timber companies against giving up their claims to the open lend included in their areas, and if the Government and the Waste Lands Board will take the matter in hand we see no reason why they should not succeed in getting a large area in this district thrown open for occupation. Every advantage should be taken of the provisions of .the Home stead Act, for its provisions are far more liberal than any under which waste lands are offered; to the public. . Tha. Borough and County should unite In using their influence with the Government in getting the lands in this" neighborhood placed at the disposal of the residents, and under these most favorable conditions. If our population is to be retained, other pursuits than mining will have to be opened for men toengagein, and nothing of a more permanent nature can ; be provided than farming, or more tempting than the prospects of the easy, acquisition of land, especially when the title to it is earned by occupation and cultivation such at is required under the Homestead Act of Auckland. :