LAND FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17294, 18 October 1919, Page 13

LAND FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Sir,— has been frequently stated in the Herald, it would have been for the gensral -welfare of the whole Dominion, and especially so for the returned soldiers, if the National Government had had the huge areas of idle lands made ready for settlement while the soldiers were away. The large areas of idle lands should be given to the soldiers free, on certain conditions of improvements, for they are I justly entitled to it. It is theirs byright, and in all justice they should have it fit:e. And what could be more satisfactory to them than large settlements of ! soldiers on those idle lands where they j cc.uld continue to be in touch with each other, some on the lands, others storekeeping there, and others in businesses that would be created there. But ini stead of having the vast areas of idle | lands made ready for the soldiers, there | rap. unfortunately, been a wild, unwise rush buying improved estates. This is I Dot- only 'oadtng the country unnecesj sarily with debt, but is also loading | the soldiers -who take land with heavy | liabilities. At nearly every sale of | Crown lands for 25 years or more there i ha« been a rush of unsatisfied applicants. ! Surely something should be done to have i those idle lands settled without further 1 delav. ! " L.T.