LAND FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 July 1917, Page 3

LAND FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS.

PROPOSALS OF FARMERS" UXIOX

At Wednesday's sitting of tlio, Farmers' Union Conference in Wellington, Mr. A. P. Whatman (Masterton) moved the adoption of the following remit from the Wellington branch:—''That this Dominion Conference of the Farmers' Union recommends that the Government should at once secure land for returned soldiers, such land to comprise land of first-class quality, suitable for such men as are unfit for back-block hardships, and that in order to supply such land compulsory acquisition at fair market values should be [carried out and paid for in 4] per cent. 'Government debentures, free of taxation, leaving the owner, if he so wishes, land of market value of at least £:Sf>,AOO." He explained that the remit was unanimously carried at the Wellington provincial conference and was supported generally. This was the .only solution for the settlement of many soldiers who could not go to the back-blocks. Compulsory acquisition was the only practical method to be adopted. The land 'Would 'be taken at fair valuation and in the circumstances the rate of interest could ■not be regarded as too low, for wliat ■would flie land of Xew Zealand be worth 'without the protection of the British •Xavy? So far a s the State was concerned a better investment could not be thought of. The term "first-class land" referred to dairying, pastoral, and farm iands where cropping was carried on. As "to dairy land though it carried the highest market value it was the most profitable. The proposition was the best method of showing practical sympathy to the returned soldier. Immediate arrangements should be made so that the holdings would be ready for soldiers as soon as they were prepared to take them on. It was hoped that many would be able to tackle back-country, but reasonable facilities must be offered to many. There •was room for settling 5000 men easily between Napier and Masterton. Mr. 0. L. Marsha.il (Marton) seconded the motion, expressing the opinion that it was quite a reasonable one. Mr W. A. Cox (Southland) was heartily in accord with the proposition, but pointed out that the trouble down south at present was to get men to occupy the farms left by men who were called to the front. These might be temporarily looked after and taken over in cases ■where the original owners did not return. Mr. W. S. D. Trotter suggested that figures mentioned at the end of the motion should be reduced to £20,000. The president referred to the danger of unsuitable properties being acquired. Particular care would have to be taken in this direction, and the advice of local men sought. He doubted whether it would be wise to place inexperienced men on land requiring cropping. However, the resolution was one that might well be adopted at this juncture. Mr. 0. Sheat (Dunsandel) said that it would be better to place on selections 'soldiers •who had already had farming experience. It would never do to have exnensive blocks unloaded on the Government—land that the owners would only be too happy to part with at a

price even with the 4'/ 3 per cent, debentures. The motion was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. J. Fulton (Pclorns) it was resolved:—"That this union is of opinion that it he a strong recommendation to the Minister for Lands that before completing the purchase of any lands, either for returned soldiers or lands for settlement, that the local Land Board, in whose district such purchase is contemplated, be referrea to for their opinion." \ It was resolved on the motion of Mr. P. Whitwell (Nelson) "That steps should he taken by the Government to note all farms, the owners of which have lost their lives in the service of the Empire, and the heirs of whom cannot he found, and that returned soldiers should be given the opportunity of acquiring them without goin.i through the hands *». *Jl* SBCCUI** '