DOMINION ITEMS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1923, Page 3

DOMINION ITEMS.

[by TELEGUArn —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

TION. J. G. COATES. BLENHEIM, “May IC. The Alinistcr of Public AYorks, tho Hon. J. G. Coates, spent yesterday in ' a tour of the Wairau Plains, inspecting the damage done by tho floods, anil was much impressed! by Hie havoccaused to the River Board’s protective works particularly at AVliittle’s Bend. To-day the ministerial party, accompanied by Air (til-ling. ALP., leit on a visit to Clarence Bridge. The party expect to return to Blenheim to-night. FARMERS AND POLITICS. W’AIROA, Alay 16 Air Poison, Dominion president ot the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, addressed a large meeting this afternoon on 'matters pertaining to the welfare oi' the fanning community. A motion was passed unanimously that the Dominion executive take up too matter of the union entering politics and the meeting also unanimously approved the idea of Dominion agricultural hanks. SOLDIER SETTLERS. CHRISTCHURCH, -May 10 A deputation from the District Council of the Returned Soldiers’ Association waited on tlro Canterbury .Land Board to-dav, suggesting that the Government be urged to give as-islance with regard to losses sustained by soldier settlers in connection with tho recent floods. These losses would have a serious oll'ect on the returned soldiers in North ('anterhur.v, particularly those wlm were on the lame The deputation suggested that relief be given in the direction of allowing six months’ grace for payment, ol rent and in respect of interest on Land Board loans to settlers on Crown Lands. Commissioner Bullard said the deputation could vest, assured that the Board would give relief wherever it could, lie added that no doubt trouble would he experienced in finding feed for stuck during the winter, and in some cases iL would lie a hard winter for soldier settlers. The depufat' >n could take it that the Board would give its request sympathetic consideration.