KAWHIA DEVELOPMENT

Two major land development schemes in the Kawhia country, involving 2840 acres and costing £143,300, have been approved by the Government, the Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Corbett announces. One scheme known as the Oparau Scheme, is of 1410 acres and is some eight miles from Kawhia on the main Kawhia-Te Awamutu road. The estimated cost of development and settlement of this land is £68,500. The property will be farmed as a station for eight years to offset the excess of development costs over valuation for settlement. The property will eventually be subdivided into one dairy and four sheep farms. Work has started on the cultivation and grassing of the first 400 acres. The second project, the Waipuna scheme of 1430 acres, is situated 18 miles from Kawhia. The estimated cost is £74,800. The plan provides for eventual subdivision into four sheep farms and two mixed sheep and dairy farms. Initial development work will begin this autumn.