AWAITING LAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26628, 26 November 1947, Page 6

AWAITING LAND

EX-SERVICEMEN FARMERS SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS DISCUSSED “There are still 97 A grade ex-ser-vicemen awaiting settlement on farms in Central Otago,” said Mr Nejson, commissioner, for Crown lands for Otago, to the. executive of the Dunedin Returned Services’ Association at its meeting last night. “Of these, 52 have qualified for sheep and agriculture, 22 for sheep, 17 for fruit farming, three for dairying, two for sheep and dairying, and one for beekeeping,” continued Mr Nelson. “ There are also. between 30 and 40 applicants eligible for Central Otago whose files are not in Dunedin. Although - this seems a large number of ex-servicemen to settle, I think the object is attainable.” Mr Nelson said that the irrigation of Maniototo would make a large area available for settlement, but the scheme had apparently been abandoned by the Government in favour of the Coal Creek project. As it was hoped to have all the qualified men settled within five years, it was unlikely that any \yould be placed in Maniototo, he said.

Mr A. J. H. Jeavons asked why the Government had not acquired a single property in Central Otago. ■ Mr Nelson said most men had been settled in coastal areas, where there were the greatest number of applicants. •> v •

To. a question frdm Mr D. L. Wood as to ■ the : policy of the department, Mr Nelson replied that it was seeking to acquire any resaonable land at a fair price., None was known to be available, in Central Otago at present, he said, and he would welcome any suggestions from members of the executive.