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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 40

Land

Land.

Of the two millions of acres of unsold land in Westland, the larger part consists of mountains and dense forests, but there are, in places, considerable areas of open country, chiefly between the low lying hills and the main range, of splendid agricultural land, having from six to ten feet of rich black soil. There is very little improved land in private hands open for sale to persons of small capital. Most of the holders of improved lands have themselves made the improvements; but any one anxious to secure a homestead, with a market to dispose of his produce, will find it a not very difficult task, as every facility for the purchase of land is offered by the Government.

For the purpose of forming special settlements in the southern portions of Westland, three blocks in the Okarito district have been set apart; one containing 20,000 acres, between the Mikonui and Wanganui Rivers; one containing 50,000 acres, from the Saltwater River southwards for 17 miles, of a depth of three miles and a quarter; and one of 50,000 acres, in the neighbourhood of the Haast River.

Within the last four years a good deal of country has been taken up for pastoral purposes; and although agriculture has not yet become a prominent feature in the industrial aspect of the district, the number of farms dotted over the county is yearly increasing, the favourable nature of the climate, combined with the natural fertility of the soil, rendering farming, when once the land is cleared of bush, a very profitable pursuit.