THE LAND PROBLEM

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22512, 21 September 1938, Page 6

THE LAND PROBLEM

to r»» fcDiroa or th» Pit ess. Sir,—One of the best articles I have read in your correspondence columns is that by Henry Betts. He touches on the fundamentals in solving our population problem, and his letter should be read by all with that objective in view. By way of extension, what is to prevent the Government applying the same methods to land settlement as to public works —compulsory acquisition of badly-cultivated estates and subdivision, the Government to find machinery, etc., capital not necessary, the occupant to be paid at union rates and any profits to meet expenses of subdivision,'machinery, and so on. There should be allotment by ballot, young, keen men to be given preference.-This should counter any tendency to emigrate to Australia or other countries. As State works are completed much of the machinery could be diverted to the farms and competent agricultural instructors might be appointed. Here is an opportunity for the women's divis-' ions to co-operate with the National Party and the Labour Party in one grand effort to solve the greatest Dominion problem.—Yours, etc., george Mccormick. Belfast, September 19, 1938.