SOLDIERS ON THE LAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16583, 5 July 1917, Page 6

SOLDIERS ON THE LAND

CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES

VALUATION AND LOANS.

Six delegates from settlements of returned soldiers upon the land met the Executive Committee of the Auckland Returned Soldiers Association in conference at the Soldiers Club last evening. The delegates were Messrs. M. F. Boyle (Awakino, North Auckland), W. J. Sanby (Reynolds Settlement, Cambridge), C. J. Coutts (Goldfields Districts), W. P. Trenberth (Kereone), M. Fletcher (Streamlands), and J. A. De Silva (Waikato Returned Soldiers Association). In addition, the Waerenga men asked Mr. E. F. Andrews, secretary of the association, to voice their proposals.

A remit regarding valuation evoked considerable discussion, several delegates voicing the dissatisfaction of their settlements at the Government valuation of the land. Eventually, as it was disclosed that in other cases the holders were fully satisfied with the valuation placed upon their holdings, it was decided that in cases where a variation was desired the settlers concerned should draft petitions covering specified holdings. These petitions would then be presented to the Government by the association, and the assistance of the Farmers Union would be asked towards obtaining a more equitable valuation. The question of Government loans to soldier settlers was discussed at some length, the opinion being expressed that the present minimum of iSOU was totally insuincient in the case of unimproved land, and barely sufficient in some cases tor improved holdings. It was pointed out that any portion of the maximum sum could be taKen in one or more lots. Eventually the following resolution was adopted: — *' That, owing to the present high prices ruling for all commodities, live stock, etc., required by the soldier settlers taking up land this conference is of opinion that the advance of £500 ia insufficient, and that the Minister for Finance be requested to use his influence to have the maximum amount of the loan increased to £1000." The Waerenga settlers raised the point that- they were paying 5 per cent, on money borrowed, whereas neighbouring settlers were paying only 4j per cent, on Government advances. As it was recognised that the loans described were of long standing, made when the general rate of interest was much lower than at the present time, it was decided to make no recommendation. It was decidsd, however, in regard to railway rates, to ask for a 25 per cent, rebate in freight rates for soldier settlers, it being felt that the present increased railway rates were purely war taxation. On the question of improved fruit farms the following recommendation was adopted:—" That the Government be asked to take over under the Lands for Settlement Act the Colenso Estate at Pakuranga, with a view to its conversion into improved fruit farms for disabled soldiers that the Government be asked further to investigate the communal system of settling soldiers upon the land, as practised by some of the Australian States, in order that it may be adopted, if possible, in this estate; farther that it be pointed out that the Prime Minister has already promised that the Land Board should view the Colenso Estate with a view to its conversion as above."