PUTTTING THE MEN ON THE LAND

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 18, 16 July 1920, Page 9

PUTTTING THE MEN ON THE LAND

What Canada ofiers to her returned soldier ■ in land and financial heip. — Under the Soldiers' Settlement Act, 1917, a returned soldier has the privilege of making application for 160 acres of Dominion Government land within the areas set apart for returned men, provided he has not already exhausted his homestead rights, and in addition he can select an adjoining quarter section as his military right. In fact, any available Dominion land, no matter where located, may be applied for by the soldier settler under the Act ; if the soldier does not want to enter upon Dominion lands, he can participate in the bene. fds of tbe loan on land at present owned by him, or to be acquired, provided first mortgage Security is given. It is considered that the policy adopted by the Soldiers' Settlement Board to consicler firstly, applications of returned soldiers who were previously engaged in farming operafions, is in the best interest of soldiers' settlements. The advance of loans indiscriminately to returned men who are not familiar with the farming industry, without first giving them an opportunity of educating themselves by farming as a life work would be unfortunate. Steps are therefore being considered to assist those who wish to participaite ih the facilities that will be afforded them. thxoagh. Provincial, as well as Federal channels, to hecome educated along ihe lines that will'be of most benefit to them m this respect. — (Ministry of Pensions Statement).