A FARMER SOLDIER

Marlborough Express, Volume LIIII, Issue 81, 7 April 1920, Page 3

A FARMER SOLDIER

£2800 GROSSi RETURN OFF

120 ACRES'.

The Hon. D. H. Guthrie, Minister for Lands, referring to tho question of land for soldiers, stated that he hJad recently received information with respect to the returns secured by a soldier settler which demonstrated what oa?i be done by industry and; the application of practical knowledge. The soldier concerned holds a faim of 120 acres of agricultural land that is not of Jirst-class quality, and his gross returns for this year from his oat 'U'op, which, ho converted into chaff, iare no less tlnn £2300. This is more than the capital value of his holding. It is conceded thajt) the ruling prices (for produce are high; but even when that factor is considered, the result (•ould only bo achieved Iby an industrious man working his section on sounjd lines.

"The soldier referred! to;," added the Minister, "is now in the fortunate position of being able to either practically free his section from encumbrance or to improve it very considerably and ensure ■ comfortable conditions for himself and family for the futui'o.. His outlook is a good one, and I bring the case under public notice hoping that it will be an encouragement to soldier cottiers generally to emulate this man's achievement. A point that is also worthy of notice is the fact that this soldier has has had tho advantage of the advice of the district supervisor of soldier settlements, who is a > practical agriculturist. I am satisfied that the appointment of these supervisors will prove of inestimable value in our soldier settlement scheme."