SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENTS.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2771, 15 May 1916, Page 6

SOLDIERS' SETTLEMENTS.

Sir,—lf it is the intention of the Government to put returned soldiers on the land might I suggest through your widely-read journal an improvemeat in' the method of "closer" settlement? A block of laud could be taken up by an association, composed of returned soldiers, and a road formed to the ceutrc'of the block, where the township will b<>. Here is where the soldiers erect their homes, thus bringing all the dwellings near together. A frontage of at least pne chain should be allowed to each selection, and the dividing fences of each place would resemble the spokes of a wheel. Each member of the association owns one section, and an adviser or manager should be appointed for the benefit ot those who ihave had no experience, the association could retain say 200 ft. depth on each sido of the road loading to the oval or township, to allow for expansion, erection of factories, etc. The association would bo responsible to keep, the men employed, for a period at all events, and in the eTent of a member selling out, ho would be valued off by the association, tho land being his only s » 'onsns he was a member of tho society. Ihe association would then select the next member, and in the meantime would work the land for the benefit of tho whole. The •unearned increment would be he d by the association, s» that nothing could be taken away by members who sell out. except what they made out of .the land By adopting a-scheme similar to this, better conditions will prevail in country life, the brave lads who did so much'foivus w.ill not be driven into the heart of the back-blocks. The demand, for land under these conditions will riß0 l ononnou<;ly, for the greaf drawback to country life to-day is its loneliness. Trusting you will find space for tills,—l am, etc, Peton, P. WILKINSON. .