LAND FOR THE SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3088, 19 May 1917, Page 9

LAND FOR THE SOLDIERS

. s BALFOUR ESTATE INSPECTED." The Commissioner of Crown Lands (Mr. M'Clure), accompanied by Messrs. J. l)awson and It. Elhngham, members of tho Wellington Land Board, paid a visit to tho Balfour Estate this week, with a view to acquiring the property for subdivision for returned soldiers. Mr. Ellinghani considers it absolutely unsuitable for the purpose. The delegation also iuiipeptod the uative land at Hamua recently acquired by tho Government. This is already surveyed and will shortly bo thrown open for selection. Air. Ellinghuin considers this very suitable land and wishes there was more of it. The members o itho board inspected the soldiers' settlements from Palmorston to Hunterville: The land acquired through there is regarded as of very iine quality. A number of relumed soldier selections were Suspected, and the visitors were very pleased with tho results shown and impressed on the men the necessity for making their homes a success and so strengthen the hand of tho board in making future settlements. A good inspection of tho Balfour Estate, adjacent to tho town of Pahiatua, was inado by the party, tut so far as soldiers', settlements are considered, it is thought; to bo too rough and expensive. Thoro is no reason, however, why the land could not bo thrown open for selection, and bo balloted for in the ordinary way. j Tho soldiers' sections at Hamua are to bo allotted shortly. The land is said to bo very good, tho area of tho three sections comprising 350 acres. Mr. Sutherland, tho Crown Lands Ranger, accompanied tho party on their torn-.