SOLDIERS' FARMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 282, 27 November 1940, Page 4

SOLDIERS' FARMS.

ASSOCIATION'S VIEWS.

ACQUISITION OF LAND. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association after a conference submitted a number of resolutions to the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, and Ministers of Cabinet last Saturday morning with reference to the Small Farms Amendment Bill, in which it is proposed to make provisions for the land settlement of soldiers. One remit stated that the provision in the bill for the taking of land was a distinct departure from the previous legislation, and in the present form an infringement of the liberties at present enjoyed by the people. The Returned Soldiers' Association recuai mended the provisions of the Lands for Settlement Act, l'J2o. lor the acquisition of and compensation for lands, wlieu, acquiring land for soldier settlement. The tenure,it was suggested, should be a .renewable lease with the right of conversion to freehold after live years, the capital value to be fixed 011 the productive capacity at the time of oecu[>ation. To prevent speculation a restriction of sale for 10 years, unless there was flood and sufficient reason, was suggested. It was also proposed that applicants should be graded, separating experienced men from the inexperienced, and those with 110 experience, and some form of group farming at a proper wage was suggested where men require training. It was further advocated that the Flock House estate be used for the training of soldiers wishing to have education; that consideration should also be taken of physical capacity, age. ami preferences as to type ot vanning; and that an advisory committee with local knowledge should select applicants, advise 011 the purchase of land and stock, working in conjunction with a board. The board, it was proposed, should contain at least one representative nominated by the Returned Soldiers' Association, and the co-operation of the Department should be enlisted for the rehabilitation I of Maoris.