SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 185, 7 August 1925, Page 7

SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

RESUMfTIOK OFLAND. THE METHOD OP PURCHASE. (By Telegraph.— Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Mr. Sykcs (Mastertoft) referring in the House of Representatives this afternoon to criticisms of the Government's method of purchasing lend for soldier settlement, said that local valuation boards were Set up—boarde of competent men, familiar with ! local conditions. They inspected and ; reported on properties for the Governi ment. and after that the Land Put'I chaSes Commissioners had to be satislied that the prices recommehded conformed, or otherwise, with the report of the local board. He claimed that every care was taken that the land was well'purchased. The Government, he contended, was forced to act quickly, for members of Parliament we** clamouring to and demanding of the Government that land should be purchased for the settlement of returned soldiers. The Government was pledged to provide land for the soldiers who left New Zealand. Mr. Parry: Land, not mortgages. Mr. Sykee: The Press, members of • Parliament and the public demanded I that the Government should buy this land. Mistakes were made, but they were honest mistakes, and as far as the soldier settlers to-day are concerned, the majority of them have now been placed on such a footing that they can make good.