OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1940, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

THE SMALL FARMS BILL (To the Editor.) Sir, —I want to thank your paper for correctly reporting my few remarks at the mass ? meeting of Wairarapa farmers held on November 27. Another paper did not do so. Having two sons serving overseas with the N.Z.E.F., I felt it my duty to be present. The attendance was just over sixty persons, including ten ladies and a few lookers on. Now, Sir. I certainly think if the average farmer is so perturbed at this Bill, why such a small attendance? And after hearing Mr O'Shea speak I am quite convinced that the answer to' my question: "Was it not he who was fostering the spirit of distrust and unrest among the farmers?” was “Yes.” and also that he was endeavouring to read into clauses of the Bill meanings that were never intended. The speaker at the meeting-objected that the Bill was not a returned soldier settlement scheme only, and why should it be? Ask any sane, unbiassed man if closer settlement is' necessary and vital to the progress and well-being of this country and his answer must be “Yes ” I venture to say that if 20.000 acres of good land in suitably-sized blocks and at a reasonable rental were of'ered for lease in the Wairarapa today it would be snapped up inside a week by good, capable men who will never have enough money to buy a freehold. Thanking you for your space—l am" etc., ‘ ' „ T K- E- WELCH Masterton. November 30.