SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 247, 18 October 1929, Page 10

SOLDIER SETTLERS.

"UTMOST CONSIDERATION."

SHOWN BY GOVERNMENTS.

MINISTER'S CONVICTION.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day,

The House of Representatives this morning went into-Committee of Supply to deal with the Estimates. A vote of £40,000 for the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account was submitted.

Mr. F. Waite (Clutha) asked that the promieo that returned soldiers would be given preference in application for the Mount Pisa settlement flats should be fulfilled.

Mr. W. A. Bodkin (Central Otago) stated that a promise had been given in 1913 that a portion of the flats would be reserved for ballot in the interests of residents, among whom were some who had been working on the estate for many years.

Tho Hon. G. W. Forbes stated that he desired to hear all on the subject for making a decision. Tho lit. Hon. J. G. Coates supported Mr, Waite's request. Mr. Samuel (Thames) contended that the promise given to returned soldiers after the war should take precedence over any other claim. A general discussion on the Subject of soldier settlement followed.

Mr. Forbes, in reply, said he was satisfied the utmost consideration had always been shown by his predecessor in office. Every endeavour had been made to assist men who had been "triers." Mr. Healy had complained that soldiers who had failed on the land were precluded from applying again to secure land at reduced valuations. The Minister said applications from soldiers would be considered by Land Boards, except in cases where they had been hopeless failures. The vote was passed.

The land for settlements account estimate (£18,000) was passed without discussion. <