LAND FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2605, 29 October 1915, Page 6

LAND FOR SOLDIERS

CONSIDERABLE AREAS RESERVED The Primo Minister, in his capacity as Minister of Lands, has by no means forgotten his promise made on behalf of the Government to reserve suitable areas of land for settlement by soldiers when they return from the war. Among the areas reserved in the Wellington district' are blocks in the Hutt Valley suitable for settlement in small holdings. "Tho Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act, whicli makes the necessary legislative provision, was passed on October 11," said Mr. Massey, and since that date tho necessary regulations have been drafted, and inquiries have beon made in all the districts throughout the Dominion regarding suitable available areas. These areas have now been provisionally scheduled, and in several districts blocks are ready for proclaiming as specially set aside for occupation by returned members of the Forces. "It must bo remembered that in starting a now. system and creating a new land tenure, great caution has to be exorcised by the' responsible officers. The requirements of the men have to be ascertained, also their ability to work the land, and the land most suitable for each applicant has to be determined before sections can be definitely allotted. The question of reading the block is one that requires great consideration. Tile returned soldier cannot bo expected to endure the ordinary hanlships of pioneer settlement until he bus had a chance to recuperate. Reasonable road access to each holding will, therefore, require to be provided Defore it can bo allotted for occupation. "The total area that has been provisionally' scheduled as more or less suitable for occupation is 439,522 acres. The area in each land district is as follows :— Auckland 134,317 Hawke's Bay 29,188 . Taranaki 95,000 Wellington 74,647 Marlborough 30,919 Nelson 21,608 Westland 10,800 Otago .17,374 Southland 25,669 "The most suitable areas," said Mr. Massoy, "will be prepared and proclaimed as the demand arises for them, and as fast as the work can be done by the Department." '