SETTLERS AND BUSH FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13691, 6 March 1908, Page 6

SETTLERS AND BUSH FIRES.

PROVISIONAL ASSISTANCE.

[BY TKLEGRAriI. —OWN COItKKSIUVOEXT.]

New Pi.YMoi'i'H, Thursday. Instructions have been ieeeived here by the Crown Lands Commissioner to the effect that no other financial assistant* is to be given to farmers whose properties have been swept by bush tires if the properties are able to carry an additional mortgage to the Advances to Settlers Department. Mr. 11. Okey, M.P., has wired to the Prime Minister at, Auckland as follows:— "Great dissatisfaction exists among settlers who are heavy losers by the fires at the instructions issued to the Crown Lands Commissioners. No worthy set-tier will make a declaration declaring himself a pauper. Others, with mortgages oil their land, that Commissioner considers can be increased, have been refused help. If .the instructions issued are to be, adhered to the Government assistance- so freely promised will be of very little assistance to the unfortunate settlers in this district." Interviewed last night- by a Daily News reporter Mr. Okey said that in addition to the delay it seemed that, the farmers receiving assistance must be put to aid- / ditional expense contingent yptKUHigZ" 1 issue of a fresh mortgage, such as jSTMtw valuation fee, solicitor's costs, and so v,jn and valuable time is now being wasted..