WAIRERE SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Matamata Record, Volume III, Issue 155, 23 October 1919, Page 4

WAIRERE SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Remission of Rates Wanted. The difficulties under which the men of tho Wairero soldiers’ settlement are labouring wore mentioned by members of a deputation comprising residents of tho settlement who waited on the Piako County Council on Monday, in support of an application fora remission of rates due on their holdings. They wrote stating that prior to their occupation the land was held by the natives, no rates were collected and the land was allowed to become a breeding ground for all kinds of noxious weeds, gorse predominating. The road through the settlement had never been metalled and was just a quagmire after a day’s rain. Two of the settlers had no access into their sections. In answer to questions, members of the deputation said that all the settlers were in a state of distress. They had to meet claims of rent. Their land was unproductive, and was likely to be for two years.

The chairman (CrJ. B. Thomas) said the council had no power to remit rates except in cases of distress. They could not pass a resolution remitting rates to all soldier settlers. The council would not press them. MrM. F. Barlow : That is rather vague, isn’t it ? We have had to deal with the Turks, but consider our present job is harder than war. Look at our hands ! Mr W. Carter: We are allowed £750 for our house and clearing. This sum does not provide for the purchase of seed, etc. The chairman: How are you going to get your stock ? Mr C. Moore: Ask us something easy. We are living now on what little money we have. The chairman said the Repatriation Committee would probably help them. A member mentioned that when he applied to the Lands Department for assistance a clerk in the office suggested that he should do as his (the soldier’s) father did, and put up with the inconveniences of pioneering. The depumentioned that, his grandparents were among New Zealand’s first pioneers, and and his father knew R ” .meant. *?,).'-*■„j t() ' 'Kacl probably always had a feathered nest. The council assured the men that they would not be pressed for their rates. Mr Barlow: Will you leave it vague for a couple of years? (Laughter). The chairman: We will not press you. Mr Barlow: You have given us a very good hearing. I suppose we had better get while our luck’s in. (Laughter). The council resolved to write to the Lands Department asking whether the Governmentintended giving means'of access to two settlers who had no road to their sections.