More Info →Moutoa Estate sale Evening Post, 23 June 1915

Description

"The cutting up of the Moutoa Estate has considerably assisted development. In 1903 it was purchased from the Assets Realization Board by Messrs. John Stevens, Easton, and Austin, who had it surveyed and offered at auction. Practically the whole of the land fit for dairying has been sold, and only the flax areas, about 4000 acres, remain. Various mills cut the flax on these areas, and pay royalties, which are based upon the High Commissioner's report. These royalties have averaged from 3se to £1 per ton, and have not been excessive.

The estate was originally about 9000 acres. Twenty-three different owners, occupying the 5000 acres which were, sold, bought from 9½ acres up to 1000 acres, but I understand the 1000-acre holding has since been resold and cut up. The prices obtained by the syndi­cate at the original sale ranged from £10 an acre.

Three creameries are now supplied by the settlers on the Moutoa Estate, and many sheep and cattle are grazing there. There are two large estates surrounding Foxton, one of which is the Himitangi block of Maori land, the cutting up of which would greatly assist our advancement, particularly as there seems to be a demand for land hereabouts.

"One evidence of our prosperity lies in the fact that six or seven years ago money could not be borrowed at reason­able rate on Foxton properties, but now the Advances to Settlers Department, recognising the stability of the place, have loaned to most people who have been erecting houses. Round about here the mills employ about 500 hands, and the rope works over forty. We have two large flax-grading and wool stores at the wharf, erected by the shipping companies trading here."

Identification

Date

June 23, 1915