Soldier Settlers.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 3823, 5 August 1916, Page 1

Soldier Settlers.

PROGRESS OF OPERATIONS

With regard to the article in Wednesday's " Guardian " on the subject of soldier settlement, the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. W. F; Massey) said the other day to an "Evening Post" representative that the land they wished to obtain was such as was fit for dairying or agricultural purposes; improved or partly improved land on which the soldier might make a home. They did not wish the Soldiers to go on the rough land unless they chose, and some of ! them did choose. Up to the present 150 soldiers had taken up 100,000 acres of land. That meant that some had taken up large areas of rough land, which, owing to previous experience, they were able to handle. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation of the assistance given to soldier-settlers by people already on the land. The first soldiers' settlement had proved a success, the soldiers having evidently secured what might be termed a "snip." Already, he was given to understand, there would be a goodwill value, if the land could be sold. The Prime Minister stated that difficulty had not been experienced, except'in one part in acquiring estates for soldiers, but if difficulty did arise in purchasing reasonably good land at a reasonable value the powers of compulsory purchase would be made use of.

A number of returned soldiers are directing attention to the block of about 40,000 acres of land in the Upper Wanganui River district, south of Taumarunui, which the Wellingtbn Land Board has thrown open for their selection. .The land has been divided into sections varying from 30a to. 1500 acres each. So far there v is no, internal road formation,, .put; the approaches to the block are formed, partly for dray traffic and partly for horses. Selectors are allowed either to purchase the freehold for 30s cash; to pay instalments for 20 years, with interest on the unpaid balance at the rate of 5 per cent; or to lease for 66 years at a rental of 4 per cent., with right of purchase on deferred payment, or for cash.

Two more soldiers have also made selections. In the Waverly district James L. Peffers has secured 64 acres of dairying land, the capital value of which is £920; and John Sheehan has taken up 381 acres of bush land close to Rangataua, the capital value being