SIR GEORGE HUNTER’S GIFT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XI, Issue 241, 15 October 1921, Page 5

SIR GEORGE HUNTER’S GIFT.

FOR SETTLEMENT OF SOLDIERS. TERMS OF ENDOWMENT. (Special to “Tribune.”) Wellington, Oct. 14. The Hunter Gift for Settlement of Discharged Soldiers’ Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message and read the first time and referred to the Lands Committee. This is a measure to provide machinery for giving effect to the terms of Sir George Hunter’s gift of land for the benefit of discharged soldier settlers.

Sir George Hunter some years ago gave about 2300 acres of land, valued at about £30,000, for settlement of discharged soldiers. The funds derived from the sale or lease of lands to soldiers were to be used for assistance to soldiers settled in the Hawke’s Bay land district. The Bill proposed to open a special account in the public account into which such funds with a deduction for administration expenses, shall be paid. The trust fund so created will be administered by a board comprising the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Hawke’s Bay, and two other persons appointed by the Minister ,ono of whom may bo nominated by Sir George Huntci; or any body or person he may authorise. The ways in which the funds may be applied to the assistance of a soldier are for advances for purchase of land, clearing, fencing and improving land, purchase of implements, etc. Advances to bo secured by mortgage on land, and Tates of interest will be fixed by regulation from time to time.