LAND FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 52, 24 November 1917, Page 3

LAND FOR SOLDIERS

A COMPLAINT EXAMINED.

Complaint has been mado by certain soldier (settlers on a, block of land in tho Auckland district that the land allotted to them is such that they are unable to make a living off it. Tho grievance of tho settlers has been'investigated by a representative of tho Auckland "Herald," and he has published that the men on the hi£horpriced sections of the block, which is known as,- tho Reynolds Settlement, were not dissatisfied with the bargain "they had made. Tho men on tho lowerpriced parts of tho estate were those who were, he said, in a worse position. The matter was brought under tho notice of the Prime Minister yesterday, and lie made a statement concerning it. "I have given instructions to the Lands Department," said Mr. Massey, "to accept the surrender of the sections.from any of the settlers who are not able to mako a living on their land, and reasonable compensation will be paid for any improvements thev have mado. They also have the opportunity of taking up more suitable country as opportunity offers. As far as 1 can ascertain, there nre only about four settlers who are dissatisfied. The others appear to be quite satisfied, i\ud according to the official reports are doing well." Speaking generally upon the question of eoldiors' land settlement, the Prime Minister said that tho position is satisfactory, and most of the men are likely to make geed, industrious, nnd prosperous settlers. Alluding to the Reynolds Estate, Mr. Massey explained that when the property was purchased in 1915, following the usual custom', it was valued'by two competent valuers on behalf of the Government. The two valuers were Mr. William Garrett, since deceased, and Mr. John M'Caw, formerly manager of the Matamata Estate, and well known throughout the Auckland province. Speaking of the property generally in his report, Mr. Garrett said: ''Tlio .soil on the greater portion was oricinally of a peaty nature. As it was drained, it went down a lot; and a ureat deal of the light peat has been burnt; off, disclosing below a very good soilmade up of alluvial mixed with peat and peat ashes, and as this lias consolidated, and the vegetable matter rotted and turned into lump, it has made excellent soil, very rich in humus. In this way I estimate there is about 541 acres on tho eastern end of the property right down to its level, well drained and with about four feet of real good soil on top. iThis land is now fit to grow anything in reason, and can be all worked. As you go west the next block of 583 acres is nearly; if not permanently, down to its level. The soil of this is good, but not quite ae good as the otlier, as it is yet moro peaty, and will take a little moro time and working to get it to its best. As vou still go west, there is a block of 376 acres, which is not as far advanced as the others, but is- still under way. It etill wants consolidating; and perhaps in- two or three paddocks it may want a little burning off, but it will in a little time make good and useful land." Dealing with the question of valuation, Mr. Garrett says: ; "After going carefully into this, and making all allowances, and cutting up into blocks, I put the land as worth about £23 per acre; and at this value, and allowing for Toading and cutting up expenses, .1 think you could offer it to setfciere at a price they could do well on." It may be added that the Government purchased the land at £20 10s. per ncro. Mr. M'Caw, in his report, says: "Tho 376 acres on., the western side of the three blocks: piisis tho most backward, but when-.it undergoes tlio treatment as the other blocks next it, it will turn mit equally as good country—tho soil being almost similar. There is sonio grass in places, but this block is mostly in the rough." He agree 3 that the property as a whole ie worth about £23 per acre. The part of the block whore the settlers have not been successful was valued at from £11 to £14 per acre.