FARMLET SCHEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 164, 13 July 1928, Page 5

FARMLET SCHEME.

The Minister of Lands, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, told the Auckland Civic League's deputation yesterday that lie was vf ling to be convinced by the ladies, but at present he was not satisfied the unemployed absorption farmlet scheme was practicable.

Miss Alice Basten submitted correspondence from the league's local bodies' conference, which advocated the scheme and had drawn a promise of consideration from the Prime Minister.

Mrs. D. W. McLean (league president) urged that a committee of qualified persons should be instructed to develop a scheme which would put unemployed families on farmlets with guaranteed incomes.

Mrs. J. M. Williamson urged the importance of the objective * and the lack of finality of present schemes of unemployment treatment. Mr. A. G. Sainsbury, editor of the "Smallholder," asked the Minister to select a committee of qualified men to develop the best scheme possible and submit it to him. As the Minister had said, ninety per cent of land seekers were moneyless. It was in that direction therefore that they should turn their efforts. There were thousands of farms for sale on the land agents' books available for the moneyed classes. The task was immensely difficult, but he believerl a solution could be achieved.

The Minister said if Mr. Sainsbury would personally select a committee to develop this scheme he would give it consideration. This offer was accepted, and the Minister was thanked for the progress this step represented. Others present at the interview were Mrs. R. C. Mathias and Mrs. E. M. Axford (league members) and Mr. J. H. Hubber (City Council).