SOLDIERS' ORCHARDS SCHEME

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 127, 29 May 1918, Page 9

SOLDIERS' ORCHARDS SCHEME

Suggestions for an orchard eettle-' ment scheme for returned soldiers were submitted by Mr. G. A. Green to the Hon. \V. F. Maesey, who replied that as he was leaving for England he would bring the proposals before the Hon. D. H. GutUrie, Minister for Lands, i ■who would deal with the matter. He j tho thanked Mr- Green for offering to 'assist in making such a scheme a suc•Mβ. The suggestions submitted were that 600 orchards for soldiers be started this ', winter it" possible, that the Government ! arrange for the effective control of such orchards, and to be as eaey as possible for the soldiers. Mr. Green also suggests that soldiers in hospitals in England should be given a chance to apply for a fruit farm; also that as soon as possible after their return to New Zealand the soldiers be got to the orchards, and that care be taken to ensure that the social side of a man's nature is not neglected. It is also suggested that an independent board of control be set up to look after the whole working of the scheme. Mr. Green estimates that the State will require to advance in each instance £150 for buildings, £150 for preparations of land and planting trees, £250 for maintenance for five or six years, and £250 capital value of eection, making a total of £SOO. Soldiers working in an orchard colony are to give at least two-thirds of their time under the supervisor, and be paid current wages, not to exceed £3 per week, including pensions.