FREE GRASS SEED TO BURNED-OUT SETTLERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 384, 29 February 1908, Page 4

FREE GRASS SEED TO BURNED-OUT SETTLERS.

The Prime Minister has made the following important statement for general publication : In connection with the disaster by fire to many settlers which I regard as a national calamity, the Government will supply grass seed to ail those who have suffered, whether they ; be Crown settlers or those who occupy their own freehold or leasehold land, as promptitude is absolutely necessary to enable those , vvho have suffered to sow other grass seed, it will be supplied to all settlers affected on application being made by them. The grass j seed will be supplied at cost price, [ and free of interest for a period up to four years. This will enable all necessitious cases to be dealt with upon very easy terms. In cases where ic can be shown that , settlers are absolutely ruined, or are unable to pay, the Government will consider each case upon its merits as to whether the grass seed should be supplied free. I am quite certain that the majority of our settlers would prefer to have the opportunity of recovering their positions in this way, and as I say, all cases of exceptional hardships where these settlers themselves are burned out of houses and homes, and ruined, their cases will be considered upon their merit. In addition, instructions have been given, to the Railway Department to carry all material, whether for building purposes or fencing, to those who have lost their homes, outhouses, or iences, tree of charge. Further, wlereever Crown lands are available, and are not under lease to tenants, those suffering will be allowed to turn their stock upon such lands free of charge. In the case of those who are not settlers, such as those working upon roads, who may have lost their homes, their huts, tools, or belongings, the Government will convey all material and tools free to them by rail, and in absolutely neceesitious cases will consider their position, upon full details being furnished by them. Officers of the Lands Department have been instructed to supply reports of loss in each case to the Minister for Lands, as was done in the case of flood damage. This is neecssary, as of course the Government, in the interests of the country as a whole, must protect itself from impositions that sometimes, in cases of the kind, do arise. Arrangements for inspection of farms will be made immediately upon application by those affected, to the Land Board. The Government recognises that the matter is one calling for practical assistance, and desires to help in every way possible. I desire to express the hope that the holders of grass seed, while naturally securing a fair profit, should not, at this juncture, which is a calamitous one, to many of their beet customers, unduly raise the price of grass seed. It is the fear of that possibility that has decided the Government to supply the grass seed to the farmers, at cost price, for a period of years, free of interest. If the Government were to come into the market by becoming the immediate purchasers of large quantities of grass seed, it is not unatural to suppose that the price would go beyond what might fairly be regarded as a reasonable one. I feel sure holders of grass seed will not regard this suggestion other than one made in the best interests ot those who are unfortunately sufferers, and, with a desire to seek their co-operation in helping to meet a dire calamity to those immedietely affected, 1 sincerely trust they will accept the advice in the spirit in which it is tendered to G. Ward.”