LAND SETTLEMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20501, 18 May 1938, Page 13

LAND SETTLEMENT

WORK IN AUSTRALIA MR D. V. BRYANT'S IMPRESSIONS During the course of a world tour, Mr D. V. Bryant, of Hamilton, inspected the Hammondville settlement near Sydney, which is a scheme similar to the Waikato Land Settlement Society’s undertakings and in a letter written to Mr H. Yalder, secretary of the society, the traveller makes interesting observations and comparisons about the Australian enterprise, which was founded by Canon Hammond. “We spent the whole day in Hammondville and I was quite pleased with the houses,” wrote Mr Bryant, “The majority of the houses have been enlarged and the ones at present under construction are a bigger type. Canon Hammond is still receiving gifts of money for the extension of the settlement town and 1 think that it is certain to be quite a large place some day. Cultivation Disappointing “I am quite concerned about Hammondville, continued Mr Bryant, “and I cannot quite visualise what it will lead to- To me the cultivation of the sections is disappointing and so many of the settlers seem to be neglecting this part of the business. I am quite certain that there are very few who are obtaining a great deal of food from their own sections- Yet, on the oilier hand, I ran understand that the people themselves would be disappointed with the producing capabilities of the soil. Of course this is not entirely due to the poor nature of the soil. The climatic conditions are very difficult. Everything growing appeared to be very dry, yet the new settlers who have recently arrived are working strenuously in digging up the soil in anticipation of production. “At the time of my visit the place was exceptionally dry and although there is a water supply which, incidently entails expense, even the watering, to my mind, would not be a substitute for good weather conditions. Some “Relief Workers” “What is really wanted at Hammondville,’’ thought Mr Bryant, “is some sort of manufacturing industry where unskilled labour could toe used. Not only would this provide for the men themselves, but it would be something in which the younger generation could participate. Of course Canon Hammond contends that there are more than 50 per cent of the settlement off the dole, but I find practically all these men are on what the Government calls “relief work’’ and are being transported by lorry 50 miles away working on the draining of a river. They are given only two weeks work out of four. I have given the matter a great deal of thought and my mind will dwell on the ’fact that perhaps after investigation I may be able to suggest something for Hammondville.”