The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-06

upon large estates. 1t is the settled pol
icy Of the New Zealand government to
break up large estates. If the owner of an
estate objects to the high valuation put up
on his land by the assessor, he is allowed
10 name his own valuation. II the govern
men thinks his valuation too low, il gives
him the option of consenting to pay taxes
on the government valuation, or selling his
land to the government at his own valua-
ton. The government has thus succeeded
in breaking up many large landed este ties
which had been in existence long before its
land policy was adopted.
DISCOURAGES LARGE ESTATES.
While it discourages large estates, the
New Zealand government encourages small
holdings in a very positive way. y promi-
nent example of this is the w~ell-known pro-
vision for village settlements. The govern
ment sets aside land for this purpose. and
workingmen are encouraged TO go in com
munities and settle upon it. The govern
ment even advances small sums for the pur-
pose of enabling settlers 10 prohtably oc-
c,ipy their land, and no rent is charged for
directed TO districts where work is obtain
able. so that they can support themselves
Whie getting their farms in order, and can
supplement their income from land by
wages. Such settlements are divided into
village allotments of not more than an acre
each, and homestead allotments not exceed
ing one hundred acres each. The former
class can be held under any kind of tenure
desired. Homestead allotmentS are leased
only In perpetuity at a four-per-cent. yearly
rental on the value of the land. These vii
lage settlements have been a great success.
both in point of the numbers who have
taken advantage of the provision and in
the revenue afforded the government. not
TO mention the relief given to congested
city districts. Recent figures show that DO
gu acres have been thus set apart. and adj
vances or f24,625 made by the government
to settlers. The social effects OF these set
Elements can hardly be exaggerated
New Zealand is rich in mineral waters.
whose medicinal virtues are widely known.
eminent has erected a sanatorium and bath
ing establishment on its reservation Of some
fifty acres OF the most desirable land. The
preference is given in the government sana-
forum TO those unable to stand the ex-
pense OF hotels and private sanatoriums.
and a low rate is charged such patients.
When the saoatorium is not filled with such
patients others are admitted, but they are
charged higher rates. The great obfec. of
this institution is to enable a class of Dar-
sons who cannot afford TO patronize private
establishments to avail themselves OF the
treatment.
1t has not been attempted herein TO give
a full account Of social experiments in New
Zealand; only certain representative classes
have been given The movement is. above
all, a democratic one. The franchise in New
Zealand Is as free as In any country in the
world The electoral act of 1893 has extended
the franchise 10 women OF European lineage
and to the native women. The movement is
still going on, and will no doubt increase.
Already IL has been decided to start fopr
government farms, and old-age pensions.
civil-Seryice pensions, a scheme for govern
ment loans to farmers and many other pro-
jects are under discussion. These exDeri-
ments will be viewed with interest everv-
where, whether or not the movement Is
commended