YOUNG FARMERS WANT LAND SETTLEMENT SCHEME

Chronicle (Levin), 27 June 1947, Page 8

YOUNG FARMERS WANT LAND SETTLEMENT SCHEME

-Press Association

Bv Teleciravh-

NEW PLYMOUTH, June 26. The need for urging the adoption of the pruposed land settlement scheme for young farmers so that it could be iniplemented immediately the needs ot returned servicemen had been met under rehabilitation, was emphasised at the annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs at New Plymouth. The federation will institute anotker Dominionwide" survey so that the full facts may be obtained and a concrete plan placed iiefore the Government. The chairman of the land settlement c.ommittee, Mr. L. W. McCaskill, said a deputation from the federation waited on the Minister of Finance (Mr. Nash) and the Minister of Lands and Rehabilitation (Mr. Skinner) to put forward its scheme for land settlement for young farmers. "We reeeived an Attentive hearing but all we learned was that the Minis'ters were sympathetic but nothing could be done until after the rehabiJi tation of returned men on tlie land," said Mr. McCaskill.

Discussing the position of young farmers who had been appealed for tn the interests of primary production and. though keen to serve in the forces, had been debarred from qualifying for re turned servicemen 's benelits, Mr. McCaskill said Mr. Skinner had agreed that these men should enjoy some priority. Tlie question that had to be faeea was wliether the land would be available for settlement after the returned servicemen 's needs were met. "The land will be available if the present taxation system is altered,'-' said Mr. McCaskill. "Politics enter into this and we are not a political organisation but it does seem that, because of existing taxation, many older farmers Rnd they cannot retire. If taxation, particularly as it affects unearned income, were amended, then I believe the, land would be available. ' '