Inntpfut %hms AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1875. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 430, 30 January 1875, Page 2

Tuapeka Times AND GOLDFIELDS REPORTER AND ADVERTISER. SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1875. "MEASURES, NOT MEN."

Thirty Thousand acres wa*.tl»e maximum fixed upon by our squatting Go vernment to be set apart each year under the deferred paj-ments system. This area was to be divMed into eight or ten blocks of about 3000 acres each, spotted all over the Province. We shall not at present speak of the unsuitableness of some of the land selected for the purpose, as compared to land of a much superior, quality that mi^ht have been picked out ; but we would point out bow eagerly good agricultural land is houyht ai'ler by the proper class of people when the opportunity is offered for obtaining it, and how many are the difficulties and hardships placed in the way of a poor man. getting it, even when it is open for application. First, than, as to the eagerness with which good land is songhtf after. Two or three weeks since 1,600 acres, divided into eight sections, were thrown open in the Tapanui district, and for these eight sections, there were tiftythfee applicants. The result was that forty -five of- tbo-fifhv-thre« who up ( ,ll«d for the land must go elsewhere to satisfy their wants, or go without it. If such a fact as this does not convey most emphatically to the Government the necessity for more land being thrown open each year under this system, and that, too, in localities where a population already exists, we do not knoy what can. As to the difficulties thrown in the way of the poor man obtaining a piece of land when it is open "for application, we have had ample demonstration in the case of the Waikoikoi Hundred, and other lands which have lately been opened under the deferred payment system. Applicants have to travel time after time to Lawrence, or to the Land Office wherever it may be situated thus involvinga loss of timeand expense which many who might prove valuable settlers can ill afford. If after all they were certain of procuring a piece of land, it would be something for which to undergo the hardship; but when the chances of getting what they apply for are, 49 in the case of the

Waikoikoi land, something like one in seven, there is not much encouragement for anyone to lay out money in travelling .expenses, and subject himself to inconvenience and loss of time besides. Where-fcbere is little hope of auy return for the outlay and trouble,* people cannot bo , expected to take action. What, then, is wanted ? may be~ asked. First, we reply, a much larger ~area v of suitable land thrown open under the deferred payment system in the neighborhood of population ; and second, Land Offices established wherever a Magistrate's Court is held, so that applications could be received by giving the applicants the least possible trouble. With these concessions, or rights, granted, we feel satisfied the great Work of settlement jind colonisation, under the deferred payment system, which has been so much approved of, would receive such a stimulus, as is wanted at the present time.