SOLDIERS' FARMS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 83, 7 April 1924, Page 4

SOLDIERS' FARMS

REVALUATIONS PROCEEDING

RAPIDLY.

(BX TELEGRai-U.—l-KES3 ASSOCIATION.)

INVERCARGILL, sth April. The Prime Minister to-night made the following statement to a "Southland Times" reporter:— "The district committees' are actively engaged in the work of revaluing soldiers' farms, and some two or three have completed their .field work' and inspections. Revaluations completed are sent forward to the Dominion Revaluation Board, which has headquarters in Wellington. To date the Dominion Board has made | about 795 determinations, and the interested parties have been so advised. Applications for reconsideration have been very few—in fact, negligible— and_this is distinct evidence that the Dominion Board is generously giving effect to the Government's instructions that soldier settlers are to receive fair and honest relief and assistance. The board has been able to secure in several cases complete discharge of second and third mortgages. _ The postponements granted have been in almost, every case" more generous than those suggested by the district committees. The Dominion Board has he!d meetings in Hamilton . New Plymouth, Christchurch, Blenheim Nelson, and Hokitika, and has taken the opportunity to view *as many areas as possible. These visits of inspection have been appreciated, and are very helpful, as the board thus obtains first hand knowledge, and is better able to make its determination. Very substantial reductions have been made as regards advances by way of combined mortgage and advances against land improvement. Rentals have,been reduced where necessary, and postponements of arrears granted- for periods of five, seven, and ten years respectively, and also to the end of mortgage terms (usually 36^ years). The board also actively endeavours to arrange finances as between the settler and his creditor, and has met with a fair amount of success.