SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 May 1919, Page 5

SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS.

DEPUTATION TO MINISTER FOR LANDS. By Telegraph.—Pfess Association. Dannevirke, May 20. Mr. D. H Gtlthrie, Minister of Lands, viaited Takapau last evening, and heard representatives of the Patriotic Society and soldier settlers relative to their grievances and the assistance required by those on the Otawhao, Watea, and Marakeke settlements. Regarding Otawhao, a water Supply Was the chief requirement, while in respect to Watea the complaint was made that the sections were too small; they were entirely unsuitable for dairying and not big enough for anything else. Requests were made for an increased Government grant up £750 for remission and reduction of rent, also for an alteration in the tenure to give soldiers the same facilities as civilian settlers in selling out the goodwill. The in a sympathetic reply, promised to give all the representations careful consideratiori, pointing out that the Government was trying to give the men a start, and was not aiming at making t.hem full-fledged farmers at the outset. He promised to consider increasing the size of the Watea sections and to give all assistance possible to men frying to make an honest attempt to succeed, hut held out no hope of permittinjr Bnythirjr in the nature of speculation at tviflicking in soldier settlement 1 l *<-i*