LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16300, 5 August 1916, Page 8

LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

DEMAND MORE THAN SUPPLY.

EXPERIENCED MEN SEEK FARMS.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION'.]

WELLINGTON. Friday. TtrE Government some time ago proclaimed the Tiratu Block of native land, near Dannevirke, the leases of which will shortly expire, with a view to acquiring it as a settlement for returned soldiers. The Prime Minister day was waited on bv a deputation from the Hawke's Bay Relief Association, who suggested that 500 acres of the block should be set aside for the purpose of training in agricultural pursuits soldiers who have had no previous country experience.

Mr. Massey replied that he already had more applications from soldiers for land than he could supply, yet the deputation wanted him to set aside 500 acres for a training farm, instead of allotting it to .soldier settlers. The Government had bought tome thousands of acres of land for soldier settlement in the previous week, but that would not go very far. He expected to have 1000 applications before the end of the present year, and he looked forward to ultimately placing 5000 soldiers on the land. It was estimated that there would be upwards of 5000 experienced men looking for land, but he did not anticipate that they would all make a success of their holdings. He feared that he could not set aside as much as 500 acres for a training farm when experienced men were anxious to take up land. Further, where could instructors be obtained ? He would, however, consider the scheme.