SOLDIERS ON THE LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 62, 13 March 1919, Page 7

SOLDIERS ON THE LAND.

EXPERIENCE OF ONE MAN.

"Will you take up my case?" asked a man who strolled into the office of the Auckland 4 He wore the badge of a returned eoldier, -who related the experience of a man who went on the land under the Government system lor aiding the man who fought for the Empire.

"My name is Arthur Rossiter. 1 served two years at the front, and returned to Xew Zealand on August 17, 1917. I took up 73 acres all in grass at Te Horo. near Wellington, under the Returned Soldiers' .Settlement scheme of the Governmenr. 1 had to {rive the place up last November as a result of the influenza. I did so on medical advice. Although I was assisted by the Government. I also spent between £60 and £70 of my own money on the place. I fenced the land, and bought some cattle in addition to those supplied by the Government. AVhen I left the farm I came up to Auckland, thinking I would have about £120 comins to mc. and with that I hoped to open a business. I got in communication with the Government, and you may imajrine my surprise when I was informed that I was held to be in debt to the State to the tune of £22. Evidently no allowance was made for my labour for eight month* on the land, or for the extra valuation on the stock. I sold some of the cattle supplied by the Government, and made a profit of £4 per head."

""Then you were that much to the good at all events?"

"Not a penny, for the money went to the Government, and not into my pocket. I personally received none of that money; in fact, I had to live on my pension."

"Did you do much on the place beside the fencing?""

"Oh. yes. I first ring fenced the 73 acres, then put in dividing fences. 1 also concreted the stock yard. I furnished the shingle, and the Government provided tlie cement. T calculated upon getting refunded £!20 when I went out of the place, but after putting in eight months' work, spending £00 to £70 of my owij money. I am asked for another £22 by the Suite. It is jn-t as well to let others know ray experience on the land, "assisted' by the Government."