SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 182, 25 July 1921, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLERS.

GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE RELIEF. “AIUST BE TRIERS.” Dannevirke, July 25. Replying to a deputation from the Dannevirke branch of the Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association, which asked the Hon. D. H. Guthrie what the Government intended to do in affording relief to soldier settlers who were having a big struggle owing to the conditions prevailing, the Minister for Soldier Settlement said tho Government was doing everything possible for them. It was prepared in cases of emergency to postpone payment of rents until the soldiers were able to get on their feet; and was also prepared to take payments in instalments spread over a number of years without tho payees sacrificing any privilege, and without payment of interest on instalment moneys. If at! the end of the period the men could not pay the amount owing they could be capitalised. In cases of extreme urgency the Government could remit payments due, but it could make no general rule. Each ease would have to be con- i sidered on its merits. In regard to grassing the Government was prepared to meet the soldiers in a similar manner to settlers, who were burnt out. Ho wanted to emphasise one point. The contract between the soldiers and the Government would be kept, but the soldier must be a trier, otherwise he -would be wasting his time.