AFTER-WAR PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2669, 14 January 1916, Page 5

AFTER-WAR PROBLEMS

SIR RIDER HAGGARD'S MISSION EX-SOLDIERS AND LAND SETTLEMENT Uy Telosraph—Press Association—Copyriilit London, January 12. Sir Rider Haggard has given the Australian Press Association an outline of his programme. Ho leaves in a few weeks, and visits South Africa, then all tlio capitals of Australia and New Zealand. "I will see as much country as possible," ho said," and ascertain the openings for soldiers and ex-Service men after tho war, either for settlement or in employment. One result of the employment of women Workers will-he a great exodus of men. We want to keep this exodus to within the Empire, and not allow them to go to America or the Argentine. There has been great fraternisation of Britons and Australasians since the war, and the attraction of the colonies has been advertised. Many of tho wounded, who are unable to stand the Engljsli climate, will appreciate the orchards and farms of Australia and the dairy farms of New Zealand. My visit to Australia convinced me that that continent will support fifty million people. "I consider the work of settling emigrants so important that I volunteered to carry ont my mission in an honorary capacity, as agriculture and settlement have been my life study. I go without any cut-and-dried plans, and will discuss the possibilities with the various Governments with an opeir mind, and see what associations- or individuals are willing to help. I will invite suggestions and advice from all who are -willing to help to try and solve the sclieme. Possibly it will provide 'assisted fares,' and will help to finance the purchase of land and give tho settlors guidance afterwards. My present opinion is that rtion, women with children, and widows might be included. After my investigations I shall submit my report and recommendations to the Colonial Institute. I am undertaking the task as a public duty, hoping the result will be for the good of the Empire."