The Chronicle LEVIN. SATURDAY AUGUST 11, 1917. LEVIN'S LANDS FOR CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 11 August 1917, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. SATURDAY AUGUST 11, 1917. LEVIN'S LANDS FOR CLOSER SETTLEMENT.

Tin: Mayor of Levin is deserving of congratulation upon his proposition to Lt'vin Borough Council respecting tin* provision of lands for settlement by returned soldiers- In the whole of New Zealand there could be found 110 111010 suitable lands for this purpose than those around Levin" and Ohau ; yet for the present the Government position is that it "has 'been unable to come to a, satisfactory arrangement with the owners for acquirement of certain lands." This is a most unsatisfactory position. If the lands are specially suitable they ought to be resumed by the State at equitable value. As Mr. Blenkhorn manked when moving ;his motion, the legislation of the dominion provides for the setting up of courts to determine values whenever estates are sorily resumed by the Crown; and the experience of New Zealapd sho\rs that witli only one or two notorious'exceptions such courts have awarded quite fair values in respect to both parties. On tllie broad' question of soldiers' setlemcnts, it cannot be insisted upon too strenuously) that to locate these settlements in backblocks areas would be to ensure failure. There are many and diverse reasons for this, and they are known to everyone who 'has given any analytic consideration to the proiblem. Doubtles they will be brought to the Minister's cognisance when t'lie Levin deputation waits on him in the course of tlia next weak or twio.