SMALL FARMS FOR SOLDIERS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24677, 21 September 1945, Page 6

SMALL FARMS FOR SOLDIERS

Sir,—“ The Press” of September 8 reported the Minister of Rehabilitation as saying that he did not know why more small farms were not being offered for sale for returned soldiers. I am a dairy farmer, and my son worked for me for 10 years for ms keep. In other words, he helped to pay for the farm. On the outbreak of war he enlisted and left New Zealand as a volunteer. Before he left we agreed that on his return the' farm would be his. He served four years in the Middle East and is now home. On attempting to fulfil our understanding I was legally advised that if I made a gift to my son there would be gift duty to pay; or it would have to go before the Land Sales Committee. In other words, my son will have to pay again for that for which he has already paid—Yours, etc., ANTI-LABOUR.

September 10, 1945. [Commenting on this letter the Minister of Rehabilitation (the Hon. C. F. Skinner) says: “Consideration has been given to the question of exempting gifts made for the purpose of the rehabilitation of former servicemen from gift duty and it has been made clear to me by my colleague, the Hon. the Minister of Stamp Duties, that there are very considerable difficulties, not readily apparent, in the way of evolving a scheme for exemption which will do full justice in all proper cases, but is not at the same time open to exploitation. However, the case in point appears to have features which distinguish it from cases brought to my notice earlier, and I would suggest that your correspondent submit the full facts to me for consideration, and discussion with the Hon. the Minister of Stamp Duties.”]