THE CALL OF THE CITY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15096, 12 September 1912, Page 9

THE CALL OF THE CITY.

SCHEME TO COUNTERACT IT.

WORKERS' HOMES IN THE COUNTRY

At the meeting of the Auckland Provincial Executive of the New Zealand Farmers' Union yesterday, the secretary (Mr. A. Schniitt) tabled draft proposals providing for the erection of workers' homes in the country. The main feature of the proposal was that to induce men to go into the country they should be allowed sections of 10 acres, so that they need not bo dependent upon the work they might secure from tho farmers for their livelihood. , It was proposed that the land be held under occupation with right of purchase lease.

Mr. Makgill considered that instead of the specified acreage the men should bo allowed sufficient land to carry 10 cows. Those 10 cows would provide a bare living for a family. Whilst agreeing with the holding of the land under the occupation with right of purchaso lease he considered that it should be provided that the men should not bo allowed to acquire a section if they held any other land.

Mr. Duxford remarked that the scheme was now developing, into a small settlement scheme, while the original intention of providing labour for tho country had been lost sight of.

It was considered by Sir. Flanagan that unless about 10,000 people were settled in this way very little relief would bo given, and to settle these people, according to his estimate, would cost about £8,000,000. He moved that tho matter bo deferred until next meeting, so that members might bo enabled to go further into the proposal. Mr. Duxford seconded tho motion.

Mf. C. 31. Banks was thoroughly in sympathy with tho remarks of Mr. Makgill. A man with 10 cows could make a bare living, but would nevertheless liavo to go -out to work.

The secretary's schemo was supported by Captain Colhock, who pointed out that should a man be allowed sufficient land to keep 10 cows, ho could make a living, and would not trouble to work for the farmers. Although the scheme was not ideal, it was nevertheless a step in tho right direction.

The secretary (Mr. Schmitt) stated that tho 10 acres suggested to not meant to bo bindingwhat was wanted was that the men should have something upon which to fall back when the work from the farmers failed. It was intended, he pointed out, that the individual districts should decide how many workers thoy required, and there was no desire to swamp the country. Tho motion was carried, and it was further resolved that tho principles of tho scheme bo forwarded to tho Dominion Executive, with tho request that tho proposal be sent on to tho various provincial executives for discussion.