LAND FOB NOTHING, BUT...

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2294, 12 September 1908, Page 2

LAND FOB NOTHING, BUT...

IN QUEENSLAND

.“It is never too late to discover oneself,” is the present belief in Queensland (says the “Wellington Post”). That country lias existed as a State, with a Parliament and all the other political paraphernalia, for many years, but only lately has discovered herself, according to the statement of New Zealand visitors, and outsiders are discovering Queensland, too. New Zealanders have a peep at the Downs and other parts of the great territory, return and assure their compatriots that Queensland is a new country. Mr. A. E. Mabin, of Messrs. Levin and Company, who lias just returned from a trip to Queensland, says there is no doubt that the country is capable of vast expansion. “The country lias only been scratched so far,” lie remarked yesterday. It has a population of little more than half of New Zealand’s and an area six or seven times as large. The Downs alone aro about a quarter the size Cf New Zealand, and they have a climate that is really beautiful. The best land on tlie Downs run from £8 to £9 an acre down to £3, and there is land in other regions available for jd a year rental or 10s an acre freehold. The Government grants most liberal terms to settlers, and is pushing on with the railways.” “They have pests,” admitted Mr Mabin, “and the prickly pear seems to he one of tlie worst,‘but the farmers are tackling this weed vigorously. The Government has offered 1,250,000 acres for free selection, if the occupants will undertake to dear away the prickly pear within three years, and if they succeed, the holders will get a bonus as well as the freehold.” The fruit fly is troublesome to the orcliardists, but Mr Mabin submits that the cheapness of the land enables an industrious sottler to show a good credit balance in suite of th° pest. On the Downs the rainfall and the seasons are fairly reguiar but in some other districts tho hn, ta + kes i chances ’ S^. S Mr Mabin. He his to havo something of the gambling element in hi* com posh Hon to take up ,an allotment He H Z m a or &e may lose; luck is 3, factor in the matter,