SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1922, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLERS.

PLEA FOR REVALUATIONS. NO ACTION PROMISED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, accompanied Mr. W. H. Field M.P., and Mr. McLure (Commissioner of Crown Lands) paid a visit to Otaki and Levin to attend to several matters in connection ivith soldier settlement. After inspecting tl>e Pukeham settlement, near Otaki, Mid dealing satisfactorily with a number of matters brought up by individual settlers, the Minister proceeded to Levin, where he was met by a large deputation representing the whole of the soldier settlers in the district. The principal request made was for an amendment of the law to provide for the immediate revaluation of the soldier sections on the ground that such action would encourage the men to persevere. In reply the Minister pointed out that he had considered the matter very carefully and that in his opinion ample provision had been made in the meantime. The law already provided for revaluation after a settler had been in occupation of his holding for three years, and in the meantime he had made provision ; in cases where such action was warranted to postpone payment of rent for a period without charging interest on the amount postponed The Minister stressed the point that the present was not a suitable time for the revaluation of rural lands. Prices of produce were fluctuating and until they stabilised a fair basis of value could not be obtained. He promised to bring the matter before Cabinet, but could hold out no hope that the request for immediate revaluation would be granted. Those who had already been in occupation of their sections for three years could make application for revaluation to the Commissioner of Crown Lands in accordance with the Aet.