FROM TRENCH TO FARM

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2822, 13 July 1916, Page 3

FROM TRENCH TO FARM

LAND FOR SOLDIERS VIEWS OF AGRICULTURISTS, The question of provision tor the returned soldier and the soldier who is yet to return was considered at yesterday's sitting of the Agricultural Coufor- , ence. , Brief consideration was 'given the following remits, which v:ere then with- ' drawn in favour of others:— From Canterbury.—''That the Government should,as far as possible, assist returned soldiers to resumo their former occupation; and that young farmers who had returned from the war, provided they satisfy the land Board, should be given preference in all land ballots." From Gore.—"Seeing that there is a danger of the majority of tho returned soldiers gravitating towards the towns, and causing n. shortage of labour in the country districts, we would suggest that steps be taken to encourage returned sol-diers-to take up agricultural pursuits." From the Executive of the Council.— "That the Government be requested to consider the question of purchasing ail area or areas, of partially improved land for the purpose of giving returned soldiers, who desiro to take up land, a practical training in farm work, under the control of competent farmers." Tho following motion from the Canterbury Agricultural Society was moved by Mr. John Deans:—"That to assist fanners who wish to enlist, tho Government should authorise the local bodies to appoint three farmers in the district as trustees, iii whose charge tlicy coukl place their farms to bo worked during their absence at the war." Mr. Deans said that though he was the mover he did not agree with the proposal. The motion was defeated without being discussed.. For tho Masterton Society, Mr. .T. C. M'Killop moved:—"That tho Government be urged to placi on the land' every returned soldier capable and willing to . work same; that good quality land be secured for the purpose; and if it is found necessary to acquire land, large estates, which are not being fully developed, should be taken first." Mr. M'Killop said that all returned soldiers were .entitled' to land, and he considered that with proper supervision tliey would be successful farmers. Mr. AV. T. Perry (Manawatu) seconded the motion.

■Mr. Reynolds- (Waikato Central) said that there was a suggestion in,the motion of an assumption that the Government was not doing anything, but the fact was that the, Government was doing what the motion proposed. Sir Walter Buchanan said that 31r. Reynolds had only ( to 'propose that the Government's action should bo commended; and that they should be urged to continue the work they were doing. The Government should be gratified to know that such a gathering'as this approved its work. As to the investigation into tho suitability of applicants, there was a weakness in the land boards in that-they lacked the experience of tho country man, and ho thought the'assistance of practical farmers should be sought. That precaution might operate against failures. The motioii was carried in the form that instead of urging the Government to "place on the land," etc.,- the conference asks them "to continue to place on the land," etc.

Oil behalf of Wanganui, Mr. A. Conway (Manawatu) moved: "That in view of , tho fact that tfoe Australian Government proposes to immediately plant large areas of forest by returned soldiers, our Government be asked to set aside an area for planting by similar means.-" "It is our duty to make all the provision WO' can for these returning inon," raid! Mr. Comvay. Some of the men might not be ill a position to take up-land, but they could do this kind of work. Sir James "Wilson said it was clear that we would have a great number of men to provide for, and he could seo no better occupation for them than tho rural work of planting trees. However, preparation must be made. The trees must be provided for at once. Tt was no use planning tree-plnntin;; for.'soldiers without having the trees for the'feoldiors to plant. Therefore,'it was necessary for tho Government to prepare in the nurseries for a further supply of seeds. The motion jwas carried. .