ASSISTING THE SETTLER.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 574, 7 June 1913, Page 5

ASSISTING THE SETTLER.

■ ■-*- . The question of subsidising loans for metalling purposes in the backblock districts has given rise to considerable controversy on many occasions. During recent years efforts of the "Waitomo County Council in the matter of subsidies have been unremitting, and the majority of the loans raised in the county have been granted subsidies. In connection with the recent loan applications of the county on behalf of settlers in various parts of the district, the county council has forwarded the following letter to the Prime Minister:— Dear Sir,—lhe Waitomo Countv Council have made application to the State Guaranteed Advances Department fur various small loans amount•ing to £15,000. These loans are being raised by settlers in various parts of the county with a view of bettering their present conditions, viz., to metal roads to enable them to go in for dairying. You have personally visited the greater portion of this county, and I am sure you will be covinced that it is totally impossible for us to assist them unles3 we can borrow money; further, that your Government assist by giving £ for £ subsidy. It is impossible for the settlers to find the whole of the money to metal the roads proposed. Under the various headings estimates would be something like £30,000. You will note on perusing the enclosed copies that the security offered in connectio i with each loan by way of a special rate on half the amount required is as much as they can reasonably be expected to pay under their present conditions. Further there are in this county many acres of unproductive and unratable native lands," which tend to make the burden heavier on those settlers who nroposa raising these loans. My council respectfully ask you as head of the Government of the Dominion and as Minister of Lands to urge upon your colleagues the necessity to assist settlers in counties similar to ou-s; and, further, to urge upon the Advances Board to specially consider applications for loans from these counties, for unless we can borrow money our district will remain dormant. We fael sure you realise that to add prosperity to these districts meets the idea the settlers have in view, as well as considerably enhance the revenue of the Dominion.