Soldier Settlers

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 18, 16 October 1933, Page 11

Soldier Settlers

Sir, —With reference to Mr. Burnett’s letter in to-day's “Dominion,” I am sure he does his best for the soldiers whose difficulties are put before him. All the same, the statements I made were not “irresponsible,” as he calls them, I saw a letter received by a soldier settler recently in which the temporary reduction in rent was referred to, and it was plainly stated that this “will not affect the i nt due on 1/7/34, which will be the u ual amount.” With regard to the rebate, Mr. Burnett says that the board has power to refund such penalty provided the settler can advance good reasons why this should .be done. I know of a case where a settler paid up all but a very few pounds due to the department and wrote explaining why it was impossible to pay the full amount and asking that he might still have the benefit of the rebate. The reply was that if the full amount was paid up the rebate would be granted. This does not seem to bear out Mr. Burnett’s statement about “the liberal and sympathetic consideration” extended to “soldier settlers in particular.” its a matter of fact, those who have largj arrears seem to receive better treatment than the men who are making an effort to keep square with the department and who are anxious not to have accumulated arrears.—l am, etc.. ARMENTIERE. Marton, October 13