CONTENTIOUS MEASURE

Evening Star, Issue 23744, 27 November 1940, Page 6

CONTENTIOUS MEASURE

SMALL FARMS AMENDMENT BILL REPRESENTATIONS TO MINISTERS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, November .27. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, after a conference, submitted a number of resolutions to the Prime Minister and Cabinet last Saturday morning in_ reference to the Small Farms Amendment Bill, in which it is proposed to constitute provisions for the settlement of soldiers on the land. One remit stated that the provision in the Bill for the taking of land was a distinct departure from previous legislation, and in its present form an infringement of the liberties at present enjoyed by the people, and the R.S.A. recommends that in the provisions of the Lands for Settlement Act, 1925, for the acquisition of and compensation for lands when acquired for soldier settlement the tenure should be a renewable lease with the right of conversion to the freehold after live years, the capital value to be fixed on the productive capacity at the time of occupation. To prevent speculation there should be a restriction of sale for 10 years unless a good and sufficient reason is suggested. It is also suggested that applicants be graded, separating experienced men from those inexperienced and with no experience, and some form of group farming at a proper wage is suggested where the men require training. It is also suggested that Flock House be used for the training of soldiers wishing to have education. Consideration should also be taken of physical capacity and age and preferences as to the type of faming, an* advisory committee with local knowledge to select the applicants and advise on the purchase of land and stock, etc., working in conjunction with a board. The board should contain at least one representative nominated by the R.S.A., and cooperation of the Native Department should be enlisted for the rehabilitation of Maoris.