"DONTWAKETHEBABYUP."

Horowhenua Chronicle, 22 March 1911, Page 2

"DONTWAKETHEBABYUP."

SH AXXOX A XI) TO'KOMA R U WORKERS UXDER isoyco'it RY THE GOYFRX.uKXT AI)YAXCES TO SETTLER,S AND WORKER'S DEPARTMENT.

To the Editor

Sir, Tt is beyond dispute that loans from the above departments are not directly refused (formally) because of the locality being Shannon a,nd Tokomaru ; yet if the matter i.s gone, into in detail it is quite clear that the action of tho department cannot be otherwise construed than tho refusal is due to the fact that the properties are situate in Tokomaru ami Shannon. If that is so, why should there be any subterfuge? Why not insert an advertisement in the newspapers stating that loans will be made on Shannon and Tokomaru properties? This would surely be better than putting applicants to all tho trouble of making applications and waiting week after week for the long-delayed reply of "Loa-ii refused."— Some of your readers may think that this is all moonshine. For their benefit I will give them the particulars of one case.

Mr 1 owns a. littlo over an acre of land well situ a tod within a few minutes walk of tho Shannon Post Office. This piece of land, if valued at the rate at wliinh sections in the vicinity were sold for, would 'bo £200. He .submitted plans of a £250 house thai lie pro]>osed erecting on the land. On the whole, lie wanted a loan of £200. He made application and after waiting a considerable time he received the brief answer "Loan refused"—no reason being given. He was not .satisfied with this, and set to work to find out the reason. He was informed that the pirns wepe incomplete or not satisfactory. He took his plans to an architect who had had experience in the buildings required by the department. The only thing the architect could find wrong .was that the cooking range stipulated was not of the right brand or colour. Ho put the matter in the hands of a solicitor; but still no result. He then mentioned the matter to a local lender (the. keenest man in money matters in these parts) who loffered to lend him £250 at 6 per cent right away; he was willing to lend £50 more than the applicant had been refused by the department. This is only one case among many What have we done in Shannon, and Tokomaru to deserve this. Let me place before you some 'of tho -reasons :— (1). Wo have never had a bankruptcy for five years. (2.) In no instance has a mortgagee lost his money lent on Shannon or Tokomaru property by direct first mortgage. (3.) Shanon and Tokomaru dwelling house property is the best paying thing in its line in New Zealand. ('I:.) Although flax fell to its lowest ebb, one miller saw it through in. spite of all the Government neglect, especially the neglect to havo the subsidised steamers open to carry the fibre to Canada, where there was every prospect of a good market. (5.) About 50 men working at the mills have to leave their families in. other towns because they are una'ble to obtain dwelling houses in Shannon or Tokomaru. (fi.) Finally "Go on the. land" ; get out of the cities into the country, where you can roust on any handy tree or sleep under a toi bush! Ail the money available for dwellings was necessary to complete the \ iceRegal mansions, viz., £60,000—this made Government a bit short. Workers! are you used to suffering, and a little more or less won't make any difference. You must be patient until tho-"high and mighty" section have been properly housed and provided for. To risk anything to \rMvi.de homos for the workers is preiwsterous; such is the verdict. — Yours, etc., , • W. MURDOCH. Shannon, March 18, 1911.