SOLDIERS AND THE LAND

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 302, 17 September 1919, Page 3

SOLDIERS AND THE LAND

SETTLEMENT DISCUSSED

LOCAL ADVISORY BOARDS

Settlement of soldiers on the land was a matter discussed by the conference of tho New Kenkhd Armors' tJnion yesterday. Sir, J. H. Joll (Hawke's, Bay) moved the following remit: "That in the opinion of tho farmers' Unioh, the ine= thods of the land purchase boards With tho object oE settling soldiers oa the land are too slow and not the most practical, and that, while appreciating the service of tho gentlemen in each electorate appointed to act with the Lnlul Hcavd, wo uro of opinion that tho Value of lowll e*> pert advice Is Hot fully recognised, ntul wo would suggest to the Government the appointment of local inspection committees, consisting of three prominent nntl reputable citizens of the district in which the land proposed to be purchased , is situated, of whom two shall lie practical farmers farming iu that district and tho third o. business man'of repute carrying on business in a town adjacent to tho land in question, the duty of the com-, mitteo being to furnish to tho Government a report on the possibilities ot tho land and the advisability of pur- v ohasing it, a copy of such rcnort to be lodged at tho nearest post, office, to be tvvailablo for tho inspection of bona tido intending applicants." Mr. J. A. MTlierson (Otago) seconded the remit". He said that in his own district unsuitable land had bse'n purchased for soldiers, and he was convinced that the time had como when local advice should be considered.

Mr. T. Moss (Wellington) stated that ho had heard of Base* where unsuitable land had been, sold to soldiers, some of whom had" had no previous experience. Whera farmers were willing >to offer their services iu an advisory capacity then the Government should take advantage of ttoir assistance. He did not know that it was absolutely essential to have'business men from the towns on sucli committees «a were suggested, because they were mainly interested in ''boosting" up tha towns. Many Government officers who were advising soldiere on land matters had had no business training. There were the land boards, of course, but they knew that some appointments to those boards were political Farmers would ba quite capable of giving proper Advice. He suggested that stock inspectors might bo chosen to sit on the committees in nlaco of business men.

Sir Jame3 Wilson (president) stated that he knew of a soldier who complained that tho Government was charging him X 75 for laud which had been bought for .£69 per acre.' The soldier said ho would not mind if the Government would allow him to sell, for he could get .£125 por acre. (Laughter.) ■ At tho suggestion of several delegates, Mr. .Toll altered the remit as'follows:— "That in the opinion of tho Farmers' Union, tho methods of tho land purchase boards with tho object of settling soldiers on the lajid are too slow and not tho most practical, and that, while appreciating the service of the gentlemen in each electorate appointed to act with tha Land Board, wo are of opinion that the value of local expert advice is not fully recognised, and we would suggest to tho Government the appointment of local inspection corumittees consisting of . threo prominent and reputable citizens of th» district in which tho land proposed to be purchased is situated, of whom two shail be practical farmers farming in that district.. The duty of the committeo shall bo to furnish to the Government a report on the possibilities of the land and.the advisability of purchasing it. Tho committeo would act as an advisory committee to any returned soldiers desirous of taking up land." ' Mr. R, D. Duxheld (Auckland) moyed, and Mr. C. K. Wilson seconded, un amendment: "That tho Government he asked to appoint local advisory boards to assist in conjunction with the Government officers in the settlement of soldiers on .the land." All that was necessary for tho conference to do, said.Mr. Dnxlield, was to affirm the principle of the establishment,of advisory boanl3. •-. . The ajuendment was' carried.

Mr. G. Anderson (I'elonis) then moved: "That this union is of opinion that it would bo to the interest ol\tho Government and more advantageous to returned soldiers (if 1 found suitable) if they were granted Crown land free instead of placing them on high-priced laud where it is practically impossible for them to make n living." Tho remit was carried.

Mr. J. W. Eliinghaui (Southern Hawke's Bay)*moved: "In view of the fact that wiien the Government acquires a property for soldier settlement there is a certain period during whicli the. rates thereon a.re lost to tho county, viz., from the date the Government takes possession until such time as .the new tenant's name is placed on the ■ratepayers' roll, that Government be asked to make an alteration in the law so that oiit of the revenue derived by tlia Government from the letting of 6iieh lauds, county rates be paid." The motion was carried.