SOLDIER SETTLERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10272, 6 May 1919, Page 6

SOLDIER SETTLERS

FARM RENTS MINISTER EXPLAINS SYSTEM OF PAYMENTS. Reference to the deputation of Kopano soldier settlors which waited on him at Feilding was made by tho Minister for Lands (the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie) in Wellington yesterday. The Minister sain that ho had given uohm.o instructions which would come before tho Laud Board at its next meeting dealing with tho matters that were uroivglit before him by settlers. Tliore had been laid before him a statement of tho position of this settlement which had given him the very greatest satisfaction. The financial position of the settlers, as tar as tiie Government was concerned, was most encouraging. There was only one instance where any exception could bo taken to the progress made, and in that a sufficient explanation was offered.

“I am g’ad to bo able to sav this In answer to the many criticisms that have been levelled at tho Government for buying high-class land and putting soldiers on it at prices which, it was said, left them litolo margin ior success in the future,” added Mr Guthrie. Referring to Air Newman’s suggestion that it would be wise, of the Government to capitalise the first year’s rent, instead of demanding payment, tho Minister said that that was already in force, although not in the manner suggested. The position was that the Laud Boards were enabled to postpone tho first, second, and third year’s rents where the circumstances of ■4ao case demanded it, and there were throe months by which tho postponed rent could bo paid:— 1. It might bo spread over a period of two, three, or five years, and received in Instalments.

2. It might be capitalised and added to the capital value ot tho land. 3. In extreme cases it might bo remitted.

“I make this statement,” added Hie Minister, “believing it is necessary that tho Government’s action in dealing with returned soldiers m this respect should bo as well known as possible, because it is evident to me, after what I have beard at tho different localities I have visited, that the Government’s policy with regard to soldier settlements is not widely known.”