A SUGGESTION

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2758, 29 April 1916, Page 6

A SUGGESTION

Sir,—-Would * you allow me a .little space in which to make a suggestion regarding the disposal of moneys now held by our patriotic societies. We have heard a great deal of talk concorning land for discharged soldiers, but having gone thoroughly into the scheme, 1 am convinced that only the privileged few who are, or whose parents are, moneyed people will be able to successfully take up this land. Now, sir, what is to be done for the unfortunate eight out of every ten returned men who have practically nothing. These are the men the Government must watch, and encourage to settle down. Being a returned man, I know what this settling down means,, and here is a use for the moneys concerned. I wish to point out the grand Australian scheme for "homes for soldiers." Give us a home, an acre, and a cow is the sincere wish of the majority. (1) Homes'for married men; (2) homes for single men upon marriage. iVkich could. not be sold until after a, given period of, say, ten years. This is surely a sound idea. Scores of returned men are already amongst us whose one wish is marriage and a fresli start, but who see no prospects on account of high rents. These men must bo encouraged before it is too late, otherwise they will drift, through no fault of their own, but through having experienced the life of a. soldier. Hoping an able pen will take up this home, acre, and cow controversy,—l am, etc., A RIOTOUS 3rd.