SETTLING SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 233, 29 June 1944, Page 6

SETTLING SOLDIERS

Allegations About Land Purchases An -aVcgation that 500 acres in the Marlborough district not worth “a tin of fish” for soldier settlcmeilt had been bought at £2/10/- an acre, was made by Mr. D. W. Russell (Christchurch) at the R.S.A. Dominion conference last night. The land, on occasions, had snow on tho flat for three weeks in the year; the experts valued it on a fine late summers da Mr. J. C. Irving (Marlborough) said the report of his branch confirmed what had been said of the unsuitability of the property for soldier settlement. He believed a genuine mistake had been made and those who made it should admit that. Tiiey- should sell it —if possible to those Who recommended its purchase —and make the first loss the last. • • Mr. L. A. McKenzie (Christchurch) said that confidential reports on the property had been sought from three branches in the district concerned- These would be made available to the Dominion execu"kir. C. W. Browne (South Canterbury) reported that a Rangitata returned soldier farmer had informed his branch of tne purchase of 1000 acres at £3 an acre for settling a soldier. This land, which was close to that ,of the soldier-farmer who reported the purchase, was described as being a desert for half the year. A man would starve on it, even if there was no purchase price. ' , , The president, Mr. B. J. Jacobs, advised waiting for fuller information before proceeding further.