REPOROA SETTLEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 130, 2 June 1923, Page 13

REPOROA SETTLEMENT.

i (To the Editor.) ' Sir. -Kindly allow mc a few remarks i about "One \\"ho Knows" letter on | Rcporoa Soldier Settlement. 1 consider lit mean and underhand to throw all the I blame for their misfortune on those ! soldiers who were misguided enough to settle on Reporoa. True, they went to Rcporoa with their eyes open, but on I the recommendation of the Government. To state tbat a larger percentage of in-1 experienced men went to Reporoa is not ' only untrue but begs the whole question. j I challenge '•One Who Knows" to publish Mr. Lyons', Government vet.'s. report j and show by it that the cause ol" failures was inexperience alone. No! Mr. ' Lyons reports cattle sickness, and until 'that is overcome the soldiers are "up 'against it, - ' and I personally think they ! will need more money tnan experience j to cope with their troubles. For the benefit of those who do not know the district I may state that tho market and j creamery are over 30 miles from the set- j tlement "and the cartage from Rotorua, which was £4 per ton, is now about £2 12/6. Manures need to be used at the rate of from three to five cwt. per acre. The climate is very severe in winter, nnd unseasonable frost precludes the cultivation of all but the hardiest crops. I ] wish the soldiers all success and trust j ' the Government may help them to, i "nurse the baby,'' but in the meantime j I let us have a fair statement of facts and ; ! shame the devil. —I am, etc., j "ONE WHO KNOWS BETTER." j