PROBLEMS OF THE DAY.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 February 1921, Page 8

PROBLEMS OF THE DAY.

NEW ZEALAND’S PART SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS. Te Kuiti, Feb. 22. A social gathering was held on Friday evening by the Borough Council to entertain the Minister for Lands (Hon. D. H. Guthrie), who arrived at Te •Kuiti from New Plymouth via the Mokau, accompanied by Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P., and Mr. H. M. Skeet, Commissioner of Crown Lands. The Mayor, Mr. G. P. Finlay, presided over a- big gathering, and toasts interspersed with songs, were the order of the evening. “BIRTH OF A NEW AREA.”' After the usual loyal toast, “The King,” had been honored, the chairman proposed the toast of “Our Guest, Mr. Guthrie.” He said New Zealand had attained a position astonishing in its importance in the world of politics as a result of the war, and a matter of deepest significance was that the Prime Minister had signed the Peace Treaty, not as a representative of an underling part of the Empire, but as the representative of a free and independent people, and this act imposed on New Zealand an equal share of responsibility with the Dominions of the Empire. It was a proud position, and showed that New Zealand’s share of responsibility cut deep into the being of the Empire. It was the birth of a new era of responsibility for the Dominion, and henceforth a greater share of Imperial burdens would have to be borne. As for the portfolio held by Mr. Guthrie, second in importance to that of Finance. A great task devolved on Mr. Guthrie in settling the immense tracts of virgin land and the difficulties of the task, had ‘been greatly accentuated by the war. Money was scarce and likely to be scarcer, and this would make the accomplishment of the problem greatly to his credit. He was glad Mr. Guthrie had promised to do his utmost to tide sol-dier-settlers over the troublous times ahead, and he was sure the people of the Dominion would approve of any steps he might take to achieve this. (Applause.)

“A LABOR OF LOVE.” Rising to reply, Mr. Guthrie was warmly greeted. He said he deemed it incumbent upon him to get air intimate knowledge of the undeveloped portion of the Dominion. Fully 90 per cent, of the wealth of the Dominion | came from the land, and it should surely be recognised that the Minister for Lands could not attach too much importance to the administration of the department. He congratulated the Mayor upon his fine speech, in which he had touched upon some of the great problems that would have to be tackled next conference. He said he was sure that Mr. Massey would represent the Dominion at the conference with the greatest honor to himself and the Dominion. He would not fail to give expression *to those sentiments of loyalty and patriotism which are. so strong--1 ]y characteristic of New Zealand. It 1 was plain the Imperial authorities greatly valued his assistance, and he was glad to hear that the settlers of ■ this district would be staunch support- ! ers of the Government in any decisive ■ steps that it might be obliged to take [in the near future toyfhaintain peace.. It would be a sorry day for New Zealand if, at , any critical. moment, this was not the case. ASSISTING RETURNED SOLDIERS. In the department, of many tasks 1 that'faced him there was none greater than the repatriation of the soldiers. I Many of these had returned badly stricken, and it was impossible for them to return to their former vocations, and it was the desire of the people of New Zealand that everything possible should be done to help them. This was a labor of love to him, and he was exceedingly pleased with the results so far. Up to date no fewer than 17,000 soldiers had either been placed on the land or had homes of their own, out of 113,000 that were engaged in war services. The department could produce a card for 78,000 men, showing where each man had gone and what any one was doing until he cut the painter. Vocational training had been a great success, and the result* of giving monetary assistance to soldiers had been absolutely satisfactory, not 5 per cent, being behind in their payments. This spoke volumes for the soldiers themselves. He trusted these men, as in the' war they did not fail us. (Applause.) Over 30 per cent, of the money had been repaid. These splendid men had achieved a record at the- front, and surely they had put up another record in repatriation duties. “MEN OF THE RIGHT STAMP.” He had, that day, seen some of the soldier-settlers in this district; they were men of the right stamp, and he was going away perfectly satisfied with theiZ Although the period of financial stress seemed to be at hand, he would give the soldiers an assurance that the department would never jump on any soldier who was honestly striving to do his best. The department had discretionary powers to extend payment of principal and interest where a soldier was in difficulties. It could capitalise interest and could even go so far, in ca»6M of real distress and necessity, as to remit payment altogether. The outlook for soldiers who were sheepfarming was not bright, and although the Government had a lien over wool and stock, it would release this in case where it j would be advantageous to the soldier I and ifl bis dealings with the auctionI eers. Of course the department had

the money was‘spent on sound business lines, “and all we ask,” said Mr. Guthrie, “is that the soldiers will make an honest attempt to get on.”