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Hokitika Guardian, 29 July 1926, Page 2

During the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill, Sir Joseph Ward made some telling remarks on the land settlement subject. We quote from Hansard: “I mean, Sir. that the Government should take the bull by the horns and compel a reduction of those high and overvalued lands, which are too dear to enable men to make a living on them. •If £lO per acre lias to be taken off a largo area of such lands, let it be taken off and let a 1 per cent, sinking fund be created to repay the total amount deducted. If that is done the country will get back tho whole of tho value written off these lands, and thousands of men will be able to get on to the land, and many now on the land will he able to make their land pay. It is useless telling me that only a few men are interested, because I know better. There are thousands of farmers at the present moment who would herald any action of That sort if it were undertaken by the Government, and I believe it would have the support, not only of honourable members of this House, but of the bulk of the people. That is the way to bring about relief and increase production from tho land, and it is also the way to meet the new level of lower prices that will he given for our produce.” Sir Joseph Ward knows what he is talking about, and it is- to he hoped the Government will give heed to his advice,