SOLDIER SETTLERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 307, 23 September 1919, Page 6

SOLDIER SETTLERS

Sir,—ln your issue of September 2 appears a letter bearing tho signature ''Interested." There is a good deal to commend in your correspondent's letter-, but I think the criticism is a little wide of tho mark, nevertheless the system of selection of land for settlement by the Government for soldiers, or others, is certainly capable of improvement by. the Minister in charge.- That may be done by the Land Board in each province being the purchase board and the valuers, with tho assistance of a practical farmer in tho locality where the purchase is mado. I am sure that the land boards, or at least the Wellington board, is composed of thoroughly practical men, whose first thought 19 tho protection of the tenant and his success as ft settler. They are men who know perfcotly • well that, the value of land can only Iμ based on what can. be taken off it and by what it is suited for producing. Knowing somo of the purchases made by the Government in different paits of tho Dominion, there are cases, I must admit, that suggest incompetency in valuation or selection, but I fail to see why the Prime Minister should shoulder the blame for every Government error committed. Furthermore, I know there are quite a number of casee on record where Ministers and land boards aro bitterly abused through their endeavours to protect the soldier pettier against himself so to speak. There aro many land seekers ready to deal with any seller at any price when somebody "else is finding the money. I do not say tide with any reflection on. the land seeker, soldier or otherwise, but merely to suggest that unfair criticism if often the outcome of a. want of experience. Truly, as "Interested states, there is room for speeding up, and .there are thousands of acres of land suitable for settlement in the Wnirarapa.if tho Government aro really serious in the matter. Thanking you for your space.1 am, eIC - T. 0. HAYCOCK. Maryborough, September 3, 1919. [This letter has been delayed in publication.]