FOREST WORK FOR SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 127, 23 February 1920, Page 6

FOREST WORK FOR SOLDIERS

ACTION TAKEN IN AUSTRALIA.

The Commonwealth Government of Australia- has nut into definite form tho propolis that have been made both in Australia and New Zealand for the employment of returned soldiers in forestry. New Zealand has made a beginning in the settlement near Hotorua, but ior plantations in the open only. Tho moro important work of forest development, road-making, and inter-planting in the State forosts no doubt awaits the arrival of Captain Ellis, who is expected in New Zealand during Hie first days of March. The. Commonwealth Government of Australia offers advances of any sum not exceeding .£20,000 in any one year to any of tho States employing returned soldiers in forestry. The .£20,000 a ycar..,may run on for 20 years according to tho present regulations'. Thy advance is by way of loan at a rata of 5 ner cent, repayment not to begin until tlio end of ten years. It has been stated by Sir David Hutchins, tho well-known fomtcr, that anv well-considered scheme- of •forest development on theso lines would bo nchlv reproductive, though the first returns would 1)0 delay?d for a period varying with the class of work undertaken. .Forestry is particularly entitled to consideration in connection with tho repatriation of soldiers for tho reason that it offers employment, not only to ableiiodied men, but to those more or less seriously incapacitated who may find in light work in the open tho best and readiest means of recovering renewed health nnd strength.