RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE LAND.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 6

RETURNED SOLDIERS AND THE LAND.

Sir;—l should be greatly obliged if one of your many readers could ■ inform me as to what advantages returned discharged soldiers actually obtain when taking up Crown lands under the special Act recently passed by Parliament. I have written to the Lands Department for information, and they replied to the effect that, "If you are physically able, bush' land is the best- to take up,' as you are certain of reaping ■ tho fruits of your labours." Now, is it feasible that a man, discharged as medically unfit, can go. into the bush for tho winter? Again, "tho JBSOO advaince will be made on improvements effected." As far as I can 6ee, the only men wlio will make a. success of these lands are those who have sufficient means to work them without Government help. This is not a sarcasm, as some people wlio are acquainted' with Government procedure might imagino, but simply an appeal for enlightenment on a subject which, to me, is puzzling. Apologising for trespassing on your valuable snace.—l am, -etc., "■ ■ A RETURNED ANZAC.

[On inquiry from tho Prime Minister we learn that Mr. Massey proposes to deal with the whole question of the' settlement of returned soldiers on the land when he brings down his lie'w Bill on tho Bubject, probably in a few days' time. We understand • that about 100 men have been placed on the land up to the present.]