TREATMENT OF RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 221, 12 June 1919, Page 6

TREATMENT OF RETURNED SOLDIERS

Sir .-What if the returned soldiers do turn against the Government? Are they to blame? I very much doubt if the people of New Zealand are aware of the fact, that in one district alone some hundreds .of soldiers are waiting for land under the nresent Government scheme. Awhile in the trenches in France these 'boys read in Now Zealand newspapers that the Government, were desirous that all -who would should go on the land on their return. The Government itself, knowing that, it would be purely for the benefit of New Zealand as a whole, declared that it would assist the returned soldier to obtain land. This raised tho hopes of many who had a life experience to their credit, which had been Kaincd while working for the largo landholder before the war. Decently a .deputation was formed to wait upon one of the largest landholders in a district who owiis 25,000 acres of suitable laud for closer settlement. The owner does jiot live on the property. He point blank refused to see the relumed' soldiers and would not even discuss the matter with them. If the returned soldiers are not provided with 6ections shortly, then the largo'landholder who will not , submit his property to the Government for closer settlement will have himself to blame if the returned soldiers take extreme measures.— I am, etc., RETURNED SOLDIER,