BRITAIN AND THE DOMINIONS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIX, Issue XLIX, 13 January 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN AND THE DOMINIONS.

PLACING SOLDIERS 01% THE LAND.

SIR H. RIDER HAGGARD'S

SCHEME

{Rec. Jan. 13, 8.25 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 12.

Sir H. Rider Haggard gave the Australian Press Association an outline of his 'programme. He loaves iu, a few ■weeks and visits South Africa, and then all the capitals in Australia and New Zealand. and •will . see as much country as possible and-ascertain openings for soldiers and ex-serviceprenafter the -war,- either in settlement or in employment. "One result of women workers will 'be a great .exodus of men, whom, we want to keep .within, the Empire, and not allow them to go to America or the Argentine. There has heeivgreat fraternisation between Britons 'and Australasians since the war, •= and the attraction of the colonies has been- , advertised. Manv wounded soldiers, ifhable to stand the "English climate, will appreciate the orchards and , farms 'of AiiZtralia and dairying in New. Zealand. My visit to Australia convinced roe.'.that it will support fifty million people. I consider the work of settling it with emigrants so important that I have ■ volunteered to' carry it out in an honorary capacity, as agriculture settlement . has 'been'a life study with me. Igo without cut and dried plans to discuss the possibilities with the Government, with an open mind to see what associations' and individuals are unwilling to help, and I will invite suggestions and advice" from all willing to help to try and solve the problem. The scheme will possibly provide assisted fares, help to finance and purchase land, and e ive guidance thereafter. My present, opinion is that men, women, children, and widows might- be included. After investigation I will submit a report of my investigations to the Colonial Institute. I am undertak--1 ino- the task as a matter of .public duty, hoping that the result > will he for .the good of the Empire."