SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18021, 21 February 1922, Page 8

SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

PROGRESS OF THE MEN. "FAIRLY OPTIMISTIC." [BT TELEGBAi'H.—PRESS i ASSOCIATION.] \ WELLINGTON, Monday. The Dominion executive of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association sent a letter toward the end of last year to one settler en each of the largest soldier settlements ; throughout New Zes-.. • land. Replies, which totalled 39,. are described by the executive as "fairly optimistic."' Each settler was asked to i state; (a) How he was getting on, (b) how he was being treated by tho department, (c) his complaints, it any, (d) hii suggestions for the betterment of soldier settlers. The inquiries were intended to provide first-hand information for the Dominion executive. From a close scrutiny of the replies, states the executive, it must be conceded that as a whole oar soldier settlers are progressing as favourably as can bo expected with fluctuating markets, and are receiving considerate treatment from the Lands Department. The majority of replies contain no complaints, except lack of roads and high rent. Soldiers on the Dipton (Southland) settlement complain that they are just slaves for the Govern- • ment. Some of tho settlements appear to hi very dirty.