SOLDIER SETTLERS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3152, 2 August 1917, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLERS

THE GOVERNMENTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. Luring the year ended March 31, 1917, twenty-five settlements were purchased with a view to settling thereon soldiers who Jiave been discharged from active service, said the Finance Minister in the course of the Financial Statement. Eighteen of tho settlements havo been subdivided and offered for selection, and the majority of tho sections have been al-' lotted. In addition, 201,210 acres of Crown and settlement lands have been subdivided and offered to discharged men. The total area proclaimed ns available for selection by discharged soldiers to date, March 31, 1917, is 337,961 acres, comprising 712 holdings. Up to March 31, 1917, 384 discharged soldiers and members of tho Expeditionary Force have been placed on holdings, the total area allotted being 309,092 acres. Where necessary, arrangements will be made, to temporarily relet large areas of pastoral runs in the South Island suitable for subdivision, the licenses of which expire in March, 1918, in order that the soldiers may compete for them on their return at the conclusion of the war. The question of extending the licenses will be finally decided in September, by which time it will be apparent if such extension is required. The majority Of tho soldier settlers readily adapt themselves to their new occupation—in fact, the success of some of tho settlements is already assured. The settlers are doing well, and improving their holdings with the aid of Government advances. Owing' to the comparatively email number of discharged men who desire to take up land there has been so far no difficulty in meeting the demand; and, in anticipation of the return of a large number of soldiers in ,the near future, efforts are being made to havo suitable land available to meet the demand as it arises.

Ud to March 31 last advances amounting to .£62,421 were authorised to 199 soldier settlers. Of this sum, .£30,168 was advanced to 113, men. The advances were made under the Discharged Soldiers' Settlement Act, 1915, for the purpose of enabling buildings to be erected and bushfelling, fencing, and ploughing to bo done; in addition, assistance has been given to purchase stock, comprising cat j tie, sheep, horses, and pigs, also seed oats, wheat, and potatoes. Grass-seed and fencing wire have been purchased in bulk and distributed to many of these settlers in accordance with their requirements, and the value thereof secured by mortgage. All advances are secured, by first mortgage, and bills of sale given against chattels as collateral security. Great care is exercised to see that sufficient security is provided before the money is advanced. Under the Act authority is given to raise ,£IOO,OOO for the purpose of making advances to discharged soldiers; but as .£62,421 was committed at March 31, and fvtlier heavy requests are likely to be made during the year, the borrowing powers under the Act will have to' be substantially increased. To relieve tho financial strain ■upon men serving with the Expeditionary Forces, or who havo been discharged from active servico, remissions of rent, amounting to ,£5311, have been provided, and to meet cases arising during tho current year I cstimato that about .810,500 will bo required.