The Daily News MONDAY, MAY 29, 1922. SOLDIER SETTLERS’ TROUBLES.
There can be no doubt that both the Government and the people of the Dominion are desirous that every consideration shall be given where the returned soldiers are concerned, especially in enabling them to procure a livelihood under circumstances that, in return for their industry and the money invested by the country for settlement purposes, these soldier settlers may have a fair and reasonable chance of making good and obtaining. a satisfactory living. Unhappily, in common with the rest of the primary producers, these ex-soldiers who have taken up land are experiencing the adverse effect of the fall in the value of produce. When, however, as in the case of the settlers on the Parihaka block, there are troubles and difficulties which can, at least in some measure, be remedied and overcome, the most advisable course to pursue was that taken, namely, for the settlers to meet in friendly conference with the Commissioner for Crown Lands and the member for the district. The meeting at Pungarehu on Thursday gave the settlers an opportunity to ventilate their grievances, explain their position and the disabilities under which they suffered, as well as to receive much-needed explanations by the Commissioner, also his advice as to what the Government. eould and could not do, and what the settlers could do for themselves. The two chief drawbacks which are handicapping these Parihaka Block settlers are the lack of good roads and the superfluity of noxious weeds. Arising out of these serious impediments were several matters, such as the question of a remission of rents owing to the dirty state of the land (which was stated to be the cause of the settlers being unable to pay their rents), and a request for an increase m the limit of advances on loan. There were also other grievances relating to the stoppage of the payment of additional loan money it’ the settlers were behind m their rents; the taking by the Department of the sale proceeds of “privately-owned cattle, the necessity for thg prompt rendering .of chattels accounts, and the hardship that, the adjacent block of Native land was free from rates and a menace as regards noxious weeds. Under the circumstances, it is not. surprising that the member for the district (Mr. S. G. Smith) expressed the opinion that the settlers had made out a strong ease for special assistance in the matter of reading. In explaining the method of arriving at the sale price of the land, the Commissioner gave the details of the amounts allocated for certain roads and bridges in the settlement. amounting in the aggregate to £4BOO, and plainly stated that if the settlers required additional provision for that purpose they must bear the cost. It may fairly be claimed that when this land was put up for ballot those who applied considered that, as the price of the land had been loaded with the cost of roads and bridges, these facilities would be provided. They can scarcely be blamed tor this' belief, which proves to have been quite illusory. Even so, the Commissioner stated that, so Jar as he-knew, there was still ±27 Jo of this allocation unexpended. Why’ It is certainly unfair and a breach of faith that these settlers should be paying interest on this £4BOO for years and the work remain undone. Moreover, it was asserted by one settler that what bridges had been supplied were a disgrace, and unsafe, also that had the block been roaded the settlers need not have asked for a rebate of rent, as they would have had a sporting chance of success, but, as it was, they had no possible chance, having to go through two and a half miles of slush. Such conditions do not accord with the policy of giving soldier-settlers a square deal. As to the prevalence of noxious weeds, it must be assumed the applicants for the land wqj-e well aware of that, handicap before going to the ballot, so that all they can do is to get rid of this encumbrance as speedily as possible. There was no obligation on, them to take lip this land, and they must abide by the bargain. At the same time there was no slump ,
in the value of produce, and they probably considered they could make a living and gradually improve their holdings. Times and circumstances have altered, and these settlers now find that, unless some help is given by the Government, they have no option but to give up their holdings. In the light of what transpired at the conference, there are good grounds for the 'position of these settlers receiving sympathetic consideration by the Government, and if the professions of concern for the returned soldiers are genuine, then the Government can surely find ways and means for overcoming the difficulties. The reading matter should certainly be attended to without delay.
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Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1922, Page 4
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822The Daily News MONDAY, MAY 29, 1922. SOLDIER SETTLERS’ TROUBLES. Taranaki Daily News, 29 May 1922, Page 4
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