CLOSER SETTLEMENT NEAR MASTERTON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9674, 23 December 1909, Page 4

CLOSER SETTLEMENT NEAR MASTERTON.

What is, we understand, the preliminary, or initial subdivision of the well known Matahiwi estate has been arranged, and is announced in this morning's issue. Eight sections within easy distance of Masterton are being offered ty Messrs W. B. Chennells and Co., who are sole agmitß for the properties mentioned. There is, no doubt, that land of such quality, and so conveniently situated will be readily snapped up. The sales, however, are. of something more than ordinary importance, as we believe the sub-diviuion referred to is but the first of very many that will take pljCj in this district within the next few years. The progress of the Wairarapa is hound up with- the question of closer ment, and it would be" useless*''to deny the fact that there is a very distinct demand for closer settlement on the part of the great bulk of th? population of thjs -district-.. : A Bill, that will shortly become law, and which is approved of by both tne Government and the Opposition, should do much to promote land settle- j ment in the Dominion,- We refer to the Land Settlement Finance Bill, which is a proposal of an eminently practical character, and one which, we believe, will have a most farreaching and beneficial effect. The Wairarapa is a district in which we may expect to see the provisions of the Bill operating in a marked degree, and if our assumption be correct we shall witness a great impetus in land settlement upon amicable and satisfactory lines. We cannot help expressing the opinion that the time has arrived when large land holders from a purely business point of view,

would be wise to dispose of considerable proportions of their holdings. The demand for closer settlement is keen—it is one that cannot be ignored for much longer—taxation on large holdings is high and likely to increase, while land on the whole, due to the present price of wool and the outlook for same being satisfactory, is commanding a very fair, if not a high price. Large holdings, it seems to us, might be held on to for a few years with considerable disadvantage to the owners. The present is unquestionably a favourable time to sell, and it is, therefore, obvious that it is worth the while of every large landholder to ask himself whether he would not De wise to take advantage of the present condition of the market.