Soldier Settlers.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 September 1922, Page 1

Soldier Settlers.

LANDS DEPARTMENT’S METHODS. I WELLINGTON, Sept 8,., ' The methods adopted by the Lands Department in selling stock from soldiers’ farms were attacked by Mr Masters (Stratford) in the House tonight. lie said that there had been great dissatisfaction in Taranaki because of these methods. Ih one specific case lie quoted, a sale was advertised on the 18th of the month to take place oil the 25th, On the 20tii an advertisement was inserted in otic paper postponing the sale, but in spite of that notice the sale took

place against the advice of the auctioneer, and tfie soldier’s stock, oil which an advance of £1394 had been made, realised Only £224. The average cost of cows had hten £l6. Btlt they sold fol' £1 to £l 10s find lets. A gelding was sold for 35s grid subsequently was sold at Elthiiiii for £l4. Mr J, Aj. Young (Waikato): Who is responsible for rooking the soldiersi Mr Masters said that it was not the

soldiers who were rooked but the Crown which made the advances to them. The person:: responsible was that person who authorised the sale under such conditions. He knehv that the Minister of Lands had sent an officer to investigate the matter, and he hoped that he Would make an explanation to ■ the-'Honse; •"-* ,