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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 75
Failure of Land Settlement. Table No. 2
Failure of Land Settlement. Table No. 2.
Table showing effect of the expenditure and recent "progressive" legislation on land settlement:—
| 1891. | 1897. | Decrease. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Land Selectors | 2,420 | 2,173 | 247 |
| No. of Acres taken up | 2,154,138 | 1,600,695 | 553,443 |
| Amount of Land Revenue | £352,417 | £272,954 | £79,463 |
This table shows that, notwithstanding the population had increased by 95,500, the Seddon Government, in the year 1896-1897, placed 247 "selectors" and their families, equal to at least 750 people, less on the land than the "Tory" Government did in 1890-1891; and that, notwithstanding the enormous sums spent in purchasing lands, improved and unimproved, their land revenue was £79,463 less than it was under "Tory" administration six years previously.
It is clear no extra labour can be employed in agricultural and pastoral pursuits.