DETERIORATED LANDS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 46, 24 February 1939, Page 6

DETERIORATED LANDS

Sir,—l have read with much interest the reports that have appeared in your paper from time to time re the deteriorated lands of this Dominion. It is a matter which affects everyone directly or indirectly seeing that the prosperity of this Dominion is so vitally dependent on what can be taken from the soil.

In discussing this important question it may not be out of place to recall the old saying, “That a silk purse cannot be made out of a sow's ear.” Neither would it be out of place to bear in mind that we have large areas of good land throughout New Zealand that is by no means being put to proper productive use. However, Mr. Editor, I will leave this vexed question to those who know more about it than I. My reason for writing is to refer to the statement in your leading article of Thursday’s issue which stated that it was a pity Mr. W. Glenn did not get more support when he was member for the district in trying to get the Massey College established on second-class land. We are all aware that Mr. Glenn did his utmost to get the college established in the Marton district, but the block of land he and others tried so hard to get the Government to purchase for the college was by no means second-class land. The occupiers resident would rather resent it being termed as such. I know well the block of land which is situated a couple of miles north of Marton township, and although the land referred to may not be of equal quality to certain other areas in the district, it is a very useful block of agricultural country well adapted for mixed farming, so could be sold readily at a very satisfactry figure. Personally. I fail to see what experiments could be carried out on the Marton area that cannot be carried out at Palmerston North so far as any guide could be obtained for the better management of the so-called deteriorated lands. If anyone wishes to procure second-class land for experimental purposes I can assure them there is none to be got in the immediate vicinity of Marton.— I am, etc., A. STUART. Marton, 20/2/39.