LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15312, 28 July 1915, Page 8

LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

FARMERS' UNION DISCUSSES QUESTION. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TE—GO_A_.l WELLINGTON, July 27. The question of the stops that, should be taken to provide returning soldiers with land, arose at the New Zealand Farmers' Union Conference to-day, when the following remits were introduced :— "That special legislation bo provided giving first preference at land ballots to men who are serving with the Expeditionary Forces, provided that they would have been eligible to ballot if they had been in New Zealand, and that tho representatives of these men be allowed to apply on their behalf." (WelHngton.) ' "That this Conference urge the Government to set aside suitable areas of Crown and other lauds in each district, so that soldiers returning from active service shall have first option of taking up sections in such areas if they so desire." (Marlborough.) "That the Government bo urged to set aside blocks of land which could only bo balloted for by returned soldiers." (Wellington.) '_ Mr EG. A. Nivcns (Wellington) said that the matter had been bei'are many conferences, and had been mentioned in the Governor's Speech. It would bo a suitable thing for tho present Con- • fcrence to endorse tho scheme. Ho moved the first remit. • Mr G. Gardner (North Canterbury) pointed out that many soldiers knew nothing about the land. It would bo better if they were given preference by being reinstated in their old tions. He suggested that the first and third remits be struck out, and the second only considered. Mr Nivens said that ho knew of cases in the Wairarapa where soldiers had gone abroad after having put in applications to ballot for land; the ballot had been postponed, and the soldiers' applications had lapsed. When it was held they had practically been penalisedConsiderable indignation had been aroused in the district as a result. Other delegates insisted that nil tho civil rights of the soldiers, abroad should be conserved, and expressed tho opinion that young men at the front should be allowed to take part in every land ballot through their relatives. The first resolution was carried unanimously, and No. 2 remit was passed with enthusiasm. It was universally recognised that the country owed a duty to those men who were defending its shores. The third remit being similar to the second was withdrawn.