R.S.A. LAND BUREAU

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 90, 10 January 1919, Page 8

R.S.A. LAND BUREAU

SCHEME'FOR SOLDIERS.

With a view to facilitating the settlement of returned soldiers the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association has devised a scheme whereby they intend to -esClblish a land bureau at their offices. The idea is to'simplify auy matter of land settlement or house purchasing for soldiers who desire to go on the land or make a home. The organisation of tho land bureau office is to be in the nature of a land agency—tho whole of the transactions'being dealt with by officers of the 8.5.A., who will .be able to furnish full information to' intending purchasers respecting ' Government grants, land values, etc. A special secretary is to be appointed to deal with this branch of tho association's work, which will, it is anticipated, prove a very satisfactory method of settling -returned soldiers quickly.'

One of the many advantages of the schenio will bo that nil profits (less working expenses) accruing from commissions obtained on .sales, will be apportioned at' the' end of each year to those who-have bought properties. The amount each individual will draw will be based on the purchase money pnid. The Auckland Association hns forwarded ifs detailed proposals of tho scheme to tho local association, which is now considering the mutter, with a view to establishing a similar office in Wellington. \

A special meeting of the Eastbourne Borough Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Eastbourne, on January 17, at 7,30 p.m., for the purpose of appointing the statutory closing day for shop's in tlvo Eastbourne borough. Consequent on the unsettled weather, farming operations i'n the Clutha district have been hindered. Turnip-sowin,' is fully a fortnight later than usual, but given a week or two of line- weather all the, turnip crops and winter feed should be in. Shearing operations have also been considerably delayed. Several farmers have lost sheep owing; to the cold weather, but nothing in comparison with the losses further north. The wool, on ,tho whole, is not. of such good ' quality as Inst year's clip, and its condition reflects the severity of last winter and tho late backward spring. Cereal crops aro showing the effects of the cold and wet, and harvest will be two months later than usual. '