THE D.S.S. ACT.

Shannon News, 28 August 1923, Page 3

THE D.S.S. ACT.

DISCUSSED BY LEVINIR.S.'A

A representative meeting attended by over .40 members of the Levin R.S.A. was held in St. Mary’s Hall Levin last. Friday to discuss the provisions made by recent legislation for ■ revaluation of soldiers’ farms. The-president, Mr. G. D.- Hamilton, read portions of the Act .and explained how they affected ''the returned man on - the land and advised evejry- ■ one ; affected to' keep in clo s e touch with the local secretary so that application. - forms could be obtained 'as soon as they were -available. Only six .months was ■ allowed'in' Which to '•make.'application for revaluation and only those who madev-, application i'uvould j receive ,considetotfoh. ; -]A_ local board would be established in each district consisting oi one nominee/pithe Government and two local representatives who were thoroughly conversant with land ; values’ in ’ the district. This Board wbuid consider each - case arid report to the Dominion Board which was really set up as a, machinery board under tlid working of the Act,' but vested with fuller powers than had previously been given'any tribunal fof the kind. ‘ This Board 1 actually fixed the- revaluation where in the past they had only the power to recommend it .to . the .Department. In oases'! where' ’ second * and third mortgages, existed-'lllO Government would not consider any application, until these had been uncharged or until arrangements had been made for a satisfactory '.reduction. The Act would in this respect- assist the man . who had . bought .pri-y-ai'ety/’ ’ some difficulty would he experienced where the second mortgagee was not the Vendor. In some cases money hau been raised on a second mortgage to pay cash to the vendor who naving made, a good deal' had J ‘‘gone for liis • life.” Hard cash thus advanced could hardly be remitted. • Various aspects of the Act were ’spiritedly discussed, by those ..present after : which ’ the following •' motions; were carried • •' ;■ A : “That this meeting endorse the- motion passed by tliie" .district meeting held in. Palmerston ‘Thati a -soldiers’ ijepresenitaltive be . appointed the district board.’ ” “That this meeting commends the. Government upon the legislation that has been placed on-the Statute Book to endeavour to meet the- requirements 'of the returned, soldier. ‘‘That copies of both these resolutions be forwarded'to Mr Massey, and the lhe-mbers for the district, Messrs Linklater and Field. ... “A discussion took place concerning the settlements at Pukenamu, Pahika, and Putiki. Since the Otaki branch of the Ii.S.A had become defunct these men were not'attached toauy association. It was resolved to, get in touch -with them and end©a.vqhir to get them to link up with Levin so that they., would have the • full assistance of the Association'in -any matter affecting their welfare. • Two members asked for the support of . the Association in (a) a. 1-and transaction, (b) tenancy of a dwelling. It was decided that the executive Investigate both cases and grant every -assistance possible under the constitution of the Association. Some fight refreshment was dispensed at. the close of the meeting arid a pleasant half hour spent socially. - /