Settling Ex-Servicemen

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1944, Page 5

Settling Ex-Servicemen

CANBERRA. This Day

The Commonwealth has offered to assume the major responsibility for soldier settlement lor Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia. The remaining three states. Now South Walos, Victoria and Queensland wish to act as principals in the scheme and will be permitted to do so, but will be Habit' for the capital cost and subsequent losses. This compromise proposal, made necessary by the defeat of the recent Com : monwealth Wider Powers referendum, was presented yesterday to a conference of State Premiers by the Prime Minister ■ Mr Curtin). About 50,000 Australian servicemen have indicated their desire to be placed on the land after the war. Settlement will be based on the following five principles: (1) Land settlement to bo undertaken only where economic prospects are reasonably sound. (2) Servicemen will net, be assisted to become settlers unless qualified and experienced. (3) Settlers will be allotted sufficient land to earn a reasonable income. (4) Lack of capita! will not prevent a serviceman from settlement. (5) Adequate guidance and technical advice will be made available to soldier settlers through agricultural and extension services.