SOLDIER SETTLEMENTS

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16261, 11 July 1918, Page 2

SOLDIER SETTLEMENTS

MINISTER'S REPLY TO

CItITICISMr

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON, July 10. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, in charge of soldier settlements, referring to the extract from the speech of Mr Hammond, president of the Hamilton Farmers' Union, regarding the soldiers* settlement at Temiro, said Mr Hammond did not suggest any moans by which the Government could improve existing conditions. As at many new settlements, the soldiers were placed on the land before it was roaded, becauso of the demand for land. Ho had visited the settlement, and /its convinced that in time it would prove successful. While it was true hat soldiers in this area < had to contend with many difficulties, these would verv soon be overcome., A temporary roaa had been made to let the settlers out in tho direction they wished, because it was impossible to have the main road constructed in time. When the roading was complete he was sure (be settlers would be quite satisfied with their conditions. Ho understood that they had had some trouble in getting necessary implements, but the matter was being attended to, and this trouble wo ild soon disappear. With areas of this kind, settled quickly' as at Temiro, there were always drawbacks, but ;hose wero inevitable in the early stages of all new settlements.