DISCHARGED SOLDIERS' LAND SETTLEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 September 1920, Page 4

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS' LAND SETTLEMENT.

WESTLAND REPORT.

(11. S. Galbraith, Commissioner of Crown La,ncls).

A number of properties were offered to tlio Department for discharged soldiers during the past twelve months, but, .although these were all inspected and reported on, in some cases the prices asked were considered excessive, while in others the properties were found'to be unsuitable for subdivision, consequently no purchases were made. There are now some seventy-two discharged soldiers settled on. land in Westland. Nineteen selected Crown lands, and fifty-three acquired farms with the assistance of advances from the Department under section 2 of the Discharged Soldiers’ 'Settlement Amendment Act, 0.917. Most of them are a very good stamp of men, are industriously improving their holdings, and lhave met all their liabilities to date. On,o o*r two are finding it difficult to carry on. I'think, however, if they can weather the first year or two they are men who will certainly make good. Besides the above, -twenty-five have purchased dwellings with advances from the Department, chiefly in Greymouth and Hokitika.

With the exception of two or three of the first-applicants, the. whole of these soldiers have been settled .within the past year, and it is therefore somewhat early to judge as to their ultimate success, especially those who have only quite recently been in possession, but, generally speaking, they are satisfied with their propositions. There is every prospect that they will make good and when they get over the initial difficulties should be in very good positions and do well.