LAND SETTLEMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1932, Page 3

LAND SETTLEMENT

FARMS FOR UNEMPLOYED

METHOD OF ACQUISITION

I WELLINGTO X, Nov. 22

“The proposals for u... setJome.it of tha unemp.oyfcd on the hn.a'iutvo now been, reuucod to two alternative s.hemes, whic.i v ill be discussed at a fi.i-ti.er eoufeiLr.ee of departmental oflioers tomo.row, ’ said, the Mihistr of Public Works, Rt'. Hon. J. G. Guutes, 'Jast eveni.g. ‘ It is possible the plan adopted will be a compromise l.e tween the two scheme's still under consideration,” continual Mr Coates, “‘(hie of the principal difficulties has been todev.se a land settlement scheme without any money.' However, the results under the ten-acre -scheme have been encouraging, for we have placed nearly (DO unemployed on the land, and 59 per cent, of them are no longer a charge on us. “Once we have decided on a scheme for the absorption rf unemployed on a lairsger scale, the details will he 1-iiJ before Cabinet. It is too early to talk about legislation on the subject, and. in any case, I do, not think that much will be required. “We are hopeful of .doing more by private negotiations with owners having. properties too large for them. The idea would Ire to give them some assistance with their rent or mortgage money in return for the use, of the unfarmed portions of their property foi

settling unemployment. “It is possible we may find it ad-

visable to secure legislation enabling us to acquire land compulsorily, but, if we did do so, tbe purpose would be to keep those powers latent and .to use them only if the same objective co. 1.1 net be achieved by negotiation. “We have: already received 80DO' applications from unemployed desirous if narticipating in the land settlame- t scheme,” said Mr Conte-. “Of course, I o'-’junot guarantee that all of them nine suitable for the farming life, but tbe great bulk of the applicants are men who have farmed on their own account at one time or who have been farm labourers.”

Air Coates add d that it war, possible lie would be ready to submit bis selunnc to Cabinet bv the end of the week.