FARM PROPERTIES.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19880, 8 May 1936, Page 9

FARM PROPERTIES.

(To the Editor.) Sir,- —The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce probably would be the best body to make an effective reply to the statement of the Prime Minister regarding' land sales in the'Waikato. It is representative of many interests and many of its members know the posi- j lion fully. There is no evidence at all ! of the speculation to which Mr Savage i made reference. Properties have I changed hands, and will continue to do so, because the bulk of our pro- | due lion is from the land. People j have been attracted to this part of the Dominion because of its productive capacity, and to the rapid development of certain forms of production that are proving successful. It is now a fact that the Waikato can ship early lambs in time to catch the London Christmas market. It did so last year, getting a shipment away ahead of Hawke's Day. Then the figures recorded in your paper from time to time have shown that in the matter of chilled beef this district is most favourably situated. These are among the factors that have increased the ■ demand for land, and that demand will - continue. The drift of the population I from south to north is still evident. j Then it must be remembered that | during the depression many farmers’ i sons, who had long been planning to j secure a holding, stayed on the land, naturally wishing to wait until they could see a reasonable prospect of a stable market. Apparently that goal is in sight, and so they are acquiring properties- It is genuine settlement, and it is to be hoped that the process will continue. The Waikato can offer j scope for land settlement, especially : if owners can run cattle at a profit, j for that will improve the pastures and crush out fern. Much land went ] back simply because the owners could j not afford to run heavy stock at a } I loss. j Looked at this way, there does not I appear to he any grounds for concluding that speculation is the motive. , There is a genuine demand for land : for production purposes, and surely : tlie political leaders will recognise | I hat fact. We certainly do not want the i idea to be held in the oilier parts of New Zealand that speculation is active here, hut sho-uld stress the opportunities tlie district offers for further development. 1 would suggest that llie matter should be considered by the Chamber of Commerce, and if investigation shows that the contentions 1 have made arc well based that it should write to the Prime Minister and place I Hie exact position before him. —1 am, ; etc., c. RUSS BRIDGE. ; Hamilton, May i.