RETURNED SOLDIERS’ LANDS.

Otaki Mail, 29 September 1922, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ LANDS.

j Air Field (Otaki) has asked the Min ister of Lands, whether, if he still find: himself unable to agree to a revalua tion of lands farmed by returned sol diers, he will, at any rate, cncouragi soldiers whose payments are hoplesslj in arrear by writing off at once the whole or portion of such arrears; and whether, for the purpose of protecting and proving as far as possible the productive value of returned soldiers’ farms, he will formulate some more satisfactory policy than now exists whereby all soldiers who are doing their best to farm successfully may be regularly

instructed in the most profitable methods of farming their lands by experts and experienced farmers specially employed for the purpose? [Note. —If such a policy is adopted it is believed that the Government will be saved of the loss with which they are at present confronted.] The Hon. Mr Guthrie (Minister of Lands) has replied: The policy of the Government is that each ease will be considered on its merits, and every recommendation of the Land Board for

postponement and remission of rent receives my immediate and earnest attention. Until the Soldiers’ Revision Boards, which arc now being set up, have inspected and reported upon soldier settlers in each district I am not in a position to give an assurance as to the action that will be taken in any particular case. I may, however, point out that the soldiers’ supervisors have, since their appointment, given much expert advice to settlers, who have considerably benefited thereby, and if settlers were to consult the supervisors more it is probable better results would be attained. However, the future policy of the Government will be largely based upon tho Revision Boards’ advice and recommendations.