SOLDIERS’ LAND.

Shannon News, 29 September 1922, Page 3

SOLDIERS’ LAND.

IHE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY,

Mr Field (Otaki) asked the Minister oi Lands in the House, whether, if he still finds himself unable to agree to a revaluation of lands farmed by returned soldiers, he will, at any rate, encourage soldiers whose payments are v hopelessly in arrear by writing off at once the whole or portion oi such arrears; ana whether, for the purpose of protecting and proving as la ras possible the productive value of returned soldiers’ farms, he will formulate some more satisfactory policy than now exists whereby ail soldiers who are doing their best to farm successfully may be regularly instructed in the most profitable methods of fanning their lands by experts and experienged farmers specially employed for the purpose? Note: If such a policy is adopted it is believed that the Government will be saved much of the loss with which they are at present confronted. The Hon. Mr Guthrie replied: The policy of the Government is that each 1 case will be considered on its merits, and every recommendation of the Land Board lor postponement, and remission of rent receives my immediate and earnest attention. Until the Soldiers’ Revision Boards, which are 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 ii 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 the Revision Boards’ advice and recommendations.