SOLDIERS AND THE LAND

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2834, 27 July 1916, Page 4

SOLDIERS AND THE LAND

The concern shown by- members of tho Farmers' Union for the welfare of returned soldiers who may Tbo desirous of settling on the land is commendable. It is clear from the discussion which took place that the farmers as practical men with the experience of years to guido them wero much impressed with the 'difficulties which lie ahead of men anxious to go farming, but lacking in knowledgo of farming pursuits, and members of the Conference took a rather gloomy view of the outlook for the men concerned. As a matter of fact, the real difficulties which lie ahead aro mainly in another direction. The Government's most difficult task will be to secure suitable land—that is to say, land at a reasonable price and of a nature that will attract soldier settlers: Several of the speakers yesterday, expressed the view that an exaggerated idea prevailed as to the number of returned soldiers that were likely to take up land. This we believe to be quite true. Not only will the number bo much less than the talk one hears In political circles would suggest, but by far tho greater part of those who will be desirous ot taking up sections will bo men experienced in farm work. It is not the men from tho towns that will bo found scrambling for homes in the backblocks, or wherever the Government may bo able to secure suitable land. The proposals of the Farmer's' Union for helping inexperienced men are useful, and are prompted by an admirable spirit.' If taken advantage, of they should produce' good results. A- more attractive method, however, is the establishment, of small-farm settlements, where the .soldier-settlers in' each would work their respective farms .under the guidance and advice of an experienced farmer appointed by tho State for the purpose. 'A brock of land might be cut (up into a dozen or more small farms, the laying out and working of which could be supervised in a general way by the State Farm Inspector (or whatever he might life termed) appointed "for that particular locality. In a year or two's time the'supervision could boy relaxed, and the men in most cases' would then get along very well with, occasional advice when required. The advantage of this system would bo that it would enable a man to go straight on to land, instead of having to work 'first as a farm labourer for someone, else." We do riot suggest that this' is the best way to learn farm'ing, but .it is 'a practicable way,, though its chief recommendation may perhaps be its likelihood to attract men on to the land who otherwise would not take up farming at all.