DISCHARGED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 June 1916, Page 5

DISCHARGED SOLDIERS.

THEW SETTLEMENT OX THE LAND By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Thi3 evening, Mr. Massey moved the second reading of the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Amendment Bill. He said that the principle of the Bill had been admitted last session, and the Bill now before the House provided for the extension of that principle. It was intended to provide in the best possible manner for discharged soldiers. Unfortunately the amount of first-class land now available was limited, but a good deal might be done in providing suitable land for small dairy, fruit, and poultry farms. He referred to the recent visit of Sir H. Rider Haggard, Mid said that he had made it clear to (■■ho distinguished visitor that our first efforts should be to assist the Dominion's soldiers. After their wants had been disposed of the Government would be prepared to assist Sir Rider Haggard's scheme for the assistance of British soldiers. Mr. Massey outlined the effect of existing legislation, and said that he had informtd the Commissioners of Crown Lands that the Government wished to be as gjnerous as possible to returned soldier*. They proposed to set apart 500,000 acres, and expected to provide for 500 C soldiers. 'He thought that the present scheme would last for five years. One b'pck of 2500 acres had been i-ecurcd in the Auckland district, and several other blocks in that province were also under consideration.

Mr. Massey then detailed a list of suitabb blocks in various parts of botli islands that could be secured for the purposes of the Act. From 140 to 150 soldiers bad already been supplied with sections.. He explained the provisions of the Bill, which included authority to raise £500,000 for the acquisition of innd for the purposes of the principal Act, a>id said lie had no doubt that the Bill would commend itself to members. Mr. J T. M. Hornsby said that he I would strongly oppose support being given to Sir Eider Haggard's scheme. Land for British soldiers should be obtained from the great landlords in Britain. Every provision should first be made for the men who sailed from these shores to the war. Mr. W. A. Vciteh said that it was desirable to give nil possible consideration t.i returned soldiers who are able to po on the land, but he wished to see hometbing done for those soldiers who could not take up land. He would protest against land being provided for immigiants from other countries until the requirements of our own soldiers, and also the existing local demand,, had been provided for. Musty precedents were being set aside, and the people of the Bominion expected the Government to do something big for the men who had risked their lives in defence of this Empire. • Mr. E. Newman (Kanaitikei), supported (he BO?

Hon JX Buddo thought tliat returned ■.', soldier?, should be placed on high-elm -'_' hinds. It was possible that the en- ir (linsi'Uin now shown for our soldiers, •_ n-isht disappear after the war, *nd ; , r 3 therefore lie hoped that the provwloa-'.* now b'ing made for them would be of, -t a generous character. Mr. W. T Jenniuge supported thft"*! Bill, and said that he would suggest (jWA or three amendments in committee. - j Mr. 0 A. Wilkinson argued that land* !; for the purposes of the Bill should be J seemed near road i and railways, even ■' if it lihl 1 to be seemed by drastic met? sures. ' i Mr. A. Harris congratulated the Gov« >' eriiment on the Bill, which, he thought, ':. would produce good results, The debate was adjourned, and the '" House rose at 11.45 p.m.