LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 8203, 28 July 1915, Page 3

LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

FARMERS' UNION RESOLUTIONS

PREFERENCE .AT GOVERNMENT BALLOTS.

(Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July 27

The question of the steps that should vbe taken to provide returning soldiers with land arose at tho New Zealand Farmers' Union Conference to-day, when the following remits were introduced.

"That special legislation should be provided giving preference at land ballots to men who are serving with tho Expeditionary Forces, provided that they would have been eligible to ballot if they had been in New Zealand, and that the representatives of these men be allowed to apply on their behalf." (Wellington). . - "That this Conference urge the Government to set aside suitable areas of Crown and other lands in each land district so that soldiers returning from active service shall have first option of taking up sections in such areas if they so desire." (Marlborough). i

"That the Government bo urged to set aside blocks of land which could only be balloted for by returned soldiers." (Wellington). Mr H. A. Nivens (Wellington) said that the matter had been before many conferences and had been mentioned in the Governor's Speech. It would be a 1 suitable thing for the present conferonce to endorse tho scheme.\He moved the first remit. ...

Mr G. Gardner (North Canterbury), said that many soldiers knew nothing about tho land. It would'be better if they were given preference by being reinstated in their old positions. He suggested that the first and third remits be struck out and the second only considered.

Mr Nivens said that he knew of cases in the Wairarapa where soldiers had gone abroad after having put in applications to ballot lor land. Tho ballot had been .postponed and the soldiers' applications had lapsed. They had practically been penalised, and considerable indignation h«l been aroused in the district as a result.

Other delegates insister that all the civil rights of the soldiers abroad should be conserved, and expressed the opinion that tho young. men at the front should bo allowed to take part in every land ballot through their relatives.

The first resolution was carried xinanimously and the second was passed with enthusiasm. It was stated that the conference recognised that the country iwed a duty to those men who were defending its shores.

The third remit, being similar to the second, was withdrawn.