SOLDIERS AND LAID

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 7

SOLDIERS AND LAID

NEW SCHEME StJGGESSTED.

• In consequence, of the great dissatisfaction with present methods of soldier settlementi frequently expressed by returned soldiers; proposals drTrogard to the matter are to be submitted by .the :4saautive isub-doinniitfieie a|t tho annual conference of the Returned Soldiers' Association to bo held" in Ohristqhurohi. The following recommendations are made by the sub-committee: — (1) That a Land Department' and bureau bo constituted as a feature in the aotivity of every R.S. Association large enough to warrant it.

(2) That such department be adequately staffed and oontr'olled by a committee directly responsible "to an 3 appointed by the association concerned, consisting of returned! soldiers and.civilians of sound judgment and experience in land questions.

(3) That the N.Z.R.S.A. shall appoint a Dominion Land Executive directly responsible* to the executive of the association but under io with the general conduct and policy of the activities of the association in reference to land, such land executive to be directly or. indirectly representative of provincial districts, and to meet at regular intervals and to'.be ct>mposcd"of veturned soldiers and civilians.

(4) That a Dominion Land Office be established in .connection .with the headquarters of the association in Wellington, to be under the control of an officer whoso duties shall be to act aa land organiser and as secretary to the Land Executive, the expenses of such office and executive to be met by a lev? on local bureau.

(5) That it shall be'tlie.duty of local land bureau—<a) •To disseminateto;• returned soldiers information on l«mdj n-ith the object of inducing as many suitable men as possible to take up land, (b), To inspect and report to headquarters upon all properties which the Government-"contemplates acquiring for U.S. settlements, (c) To keep records of such applicant for land, to assist him with expert .advice and information both prior to-and after: his set* tlement. (d) To furnish to headquarters regular returns covering tlhe financial position of the department and reports in reference to, its general work and local conditions. ~ 1

(6) That it shall be the duty of tihe Dominion Land Ebcecuti,vep-(a) To frame Dominion policy, (b) I'6 make BticJi (representations -to ;the'; Government on land settlement as may appear desirable, (c) To assist local bureau with information and -regular reports: <s) To promote the. formation: of "local bureaux wherever it is thought desirable. .-' !■..■ ::■ ;.:. :-H-v- i •"■■ ••;:

(7) That provision be made by this conference for such finance as may be necessary to initiate the scheme.