192 WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



state, and year by year only comparatively small areas 

 were cultivated, the rest being devoted to pastoral 

 farming. The general aspect of the country was any- 

 thing but inviting, for settlement was sparse, there being 

 only the homestead and a few houses or rather, huts 

 scattered at considerable distances over the area. 



The contrast presented by the same land now is, 

 indeed, remarkable. Where before were wide stretches 

 of tussocky downs with a few sheep wandering over 

 them, and a field of wheat or oats here and there, one 

 now sees on all sides signs of marked activity. All the 

 way up the valley are smiling homesteads, each almost 

 within hailing distance of its neighbour. The persever- 

 ance, enterprise, and diligence of the tenants have 

 completely changed the whole aspect of the country. 

 Every available piece of ground has been carefully 

 cultivated and yields good crops of cereals, hay, or 

 turnips. Mixed farming is in operation with great 

 success, and so absorbed is the tenant in the fostering 

 of good agriculture and the provision of conditions 

 antagonistic to soil exhaustion, that the casual observer 

 would at once conclude that he was the sole owner of 

 the land; indeed, very often it is the half-yearly rent 

 alone, which reminds the tenant himself that he is not 

 the owner. Moreover, the standard of comfort on these 

 farms is high, while the facilities afforded for social 

 enjoyment add much to the pleasures of rural life. 

 From observation of other similar estates in various 

 parts of the country, the same impression of industry 

 and activity is made on the observer. 



The beneficial effects of this land tenure system, 

 unfortunately, are greatly modified by the wholly 

 inadequate provisions for the re-valuation of the land 

 at short intervals. The adoption of these provisions was 

 the only step required to render the system completely 



