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Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1918, Page 1

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fl’Klt PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.]

SOLDIER. SETTLEMENTS

WELLINGTON .July 10

The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, [MinisterAn charge of soldier settlements referring to the extract from the speech of Mr Hammond, president of the Hamilton Farmers’ Union, regarding the'soldiers’ settlement at Temiro, said Mr Hammond did not suggest any means by which the Government could improve existing conditions. As at many other new settlements, the soldiers were placed on the land before it was roaded, because of the demand for land. Ho had visited the settlement, and was convinced that in time it would prove successful. While it was true that soldiers in this area had to contend with many difficulties, these would very soon be overcome. A temporary road had been made to let the settlers' out in the direction they wished, because it was impossible to have the main road constructed in time. When threading was complete be wnR sure the settlers would be quite satisfied with their conditions. He understood ..uit they had had some trouble in getting necessary implements, but the matter was being attended to, and this trouble would soon disappear. With areas of this kind, settled' quickly as at Temiro, they wore always drawbacks, hut. these were inevitable in the early stages of all now settlements.