FARMERS AND SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 144, 7 March 1918, Page 8

FARMERS AND SOLDIERS

AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE

The problem of settling returned soldiers on the land is many-sided. Here is an extract from "The Australasian" which stows how. some of the everpresent difficulties were overcome in the Mallee, Victoria. "Two returned soldiers, both with farm experience, lately applied to the Repatriation Board for help in settling again on the land. Tney were desirous of securing. partly improved blocks in the Mallee, regarding the work of rolling down; and clearing off Bcrub as 'too strenuous for invalided nicn. The board would not look at this proposition—a policy much open to adverse criticism from, those who l/nderstand Mallee conditions. However, liberal terms were.offered for the selection of virgin Mallee land, and the invalids, in the hope of securing some open country - which could be ploughed and sown to wheat in the first Beason. set out for the north to inspect. Tneir idea 'is to hold separate blocks adjoining one another, and to share the farming plant as' far as possible—a loose form of partnership ■which has a good deal to recommend it. Likely block's were selected on the plan, from the position and description of the soil; but when they arrived at the township—a one-horse little place,'most would call settlers took a hand in the,proceediiigs. v ' Hearing that the ..men were returned soldiers, buggies were placed at their disposal, and men who knew every inch of the land drove them cut to likely Finally they got a block each, ,-tiie pick of those remaining, and not those selected on the plan, which the experts would not let them touch. Tho . township people would not let them pay a pesny from the time they landed, and they left for Melbourne well satisfied with' their new venture, and with the assuranoe that .their neighbours would see them' through. Another instance of the same kind may ho quoted. A hard-working returned man was allotted a block in a potatogrowing district, but feared to embark, as he had no capital. At length bo was induced to make a start, and was . taken in hand at onco by an old resident whose son had Jallon at the front. He now considers himself a made man. 'Other instances can., be brought, for-' iward, but thesej to ' showthe authorities'Zwh'iii;' earnest expert they can Sectir'e if they Organise them, i'Local committees in town and country can wsily ;be formed .from those who are .eager to show their appreciation of what bur men have done for us."