LAND BOUGHT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 7

LAND BOUGHT

RETURNED SOL DIERS 29,000 ACRES PROCURED 20 PROPERTIES IN BLOCK (By Telograpn.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The announcement that 20 properties, comprising about 29,000 acres, had been acquired for the settlement of discharged soldiers was made by the Minister of Lands, the Hon. F. Langstone, today. All these properties had been offered to the Government and there were some in both islands. The Minister outlined the policy to be followed in the settlement of the men and said that besides the land which has already been acquired other properties had been offered for consideration. The Lands Department ever since the outbreak of war had been acquiring properties where the situation and price were right. The 20 properties referred to had cost for land alone about £155,000. Much more money was required for development, stocking, buildings, and water supply. Mr Langstone added that numerous offers of land had been received and these were being considered by the Lands Purchase Board. Of course, many were unsuitable and under no circumstances would the department buy land unless it stood up to the closest scrutiny as regards productivity, general suitability and location. Selection of Men With regard to the selection and settlement the Land Department was working in close collaboration with the Returned Soldiers’ Association, which was very interested in the settlement of the men who returned from this war, ana shortly there would be a meeting at which every property would be considered jointly by Lands Department officers and Returned Soldiers’ Association representatives. Settlement would take place on approved lines, the Minister said. It was not proposed to settle any one property completely at one time. Men vvoula return in groups and on an area that might settle 10 or 12 soldiers possibly only three or four would be settled at the beginning, and the rest would be settled later as circumstances warranted. This was desirable so that as the groups returned they would be well spread out and the land would be meted out as fairly as possible. Due consideration would also be given to the qualification of the men who went on the land. Some might be able to go farming straight away, while others might need help and training. No one would be finally selected for a farm unless he had the ability ami a bent for farming.