SOLDIER SETTLERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVIII, Issue 17843, 26 July 1921, Page 6

SOLDIER SETTLERS.

SYMPATHETIC MINISTER.

MEN MUST BE "TRIERS." fjBX TELEGRAPH. —TRESS ASSOCIATION.] rSANNEVmXE, Monday.

Replying to a deputation from the Bannevirke branch of the Hawke's Bay War Relief Association, which asked the Hon. D. H. Guthrie what the Government intended to do in affording relief to soldier settlers who were having a struggle owing to the conditions prevailing, the Minister said the Government was doing everything possible for them. It was prepared, in cases of emergency, to postpone payment of rents until soldiers are alble to get on their feet. The Government was also prepared to take payments in instalments spread v over a number of years without the payeee sacrificing any privileges, and without payment of interest on instalment moneys. If, at the end of the period, the men could not pay the amount owing, it could be capitalised. In cases of extreme urgency, the Government could remit payments due, but it could make no general rule. Each case would have to be considered on its merits, v

In regard to grassing, the Government was prepared to meet soldiers in a similar manner to settlers who were burnt out. He wanted, to emphasise one_ point, that the contract between the soldiers and the Go\'ernment would be kept, bat the soldier must be " a trier," otherwise he would only be wasting his time.