SETTLING THE LAND

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 2 April 1930, Page 10

SETTLING THE LAND

(To tlio Editor) Sir. —With great pleasure 1 have read Mr .1. P. I'lOllSc's letter to the "Mail" (March 17th), also Mr K. 0. Moore's of March 22nd. It, is really nice to know that these gentlemen are taking a keen interest in the manner in which (he Government of our country is carried Oil. 1 would have said managed hut someone might slay me. No, Mr Prousc, I have, not sinned in any of those monies you speak of. My only share in these mailers at all is to have paid eleven guineas valuation fees, and to h<> finally told by the Superintendent of Advances that no advance whatever will bo made to myself. I I hank Mr Prousc kindly for his offer of the "dossier'' mentioned and would be glad of the loan of il for a lew hours. I agree with all he says; anything is good enough I'or the fool that tries to open up the hack country. However, legislation has been enacted, to use the Minister of Land's own expression, to help set Hers. Sums of money up to £1250 may lie advanced to assist in the improvement of undeveloped land; Very good, hut the settler on the land must prove his bona fides presumably by having spent his available capital in improvements. The application having been made lie must then wait for an indefinite period for an answer; if the answer is favourable and expenses arc paid he must do further improvements, the money being doled out to him from time to time as improvements are effected. Ho may he a life to effect a great improvement in his property, but the money advanced cannot be used for the purchase of stock, or for food or raiment. Ho can, however, utilise the grass for bedding and nourishment, and as long as he, pays the rent and rates he will bo allowed to live on the section, ft is too long to describe the whole .Act. hut it is the climax of- finance; bush-felled grasssown, fencing done, humpy-built; no slock, no tucker, credit gone, behind with rent, section confiscated, packed swag, lot of experience worth the money, the beloved Government gels the*lot. and makes a fresh start. Tt is really 'graiul pure socialism. I'll be a sport, onlv I cannot herd-test without the herd;" and I'll be dashed if I'll sweat .women and children. Be Mr E. 0. Moore's contention that Independents would not make a success in Parliament and that they would break up into little cliques, I cannot agree with this, and if they did the public arc evidently waking up, ■ so that if the people pub in Independents they would have to remain so. . They could not form parties or they would be smitten hip and thigh by their exasperated supporters. For the rest of Mr E. G. Mooro's letter it is plain commonsensc; some time I hope to liave the pleasure of shaking hands with both of these gentlemen, if only for the interest they take in little old New Zealand. —I am, etc., A. WICKES. Deep Creek, 27th March.