LAND SETTLEMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11654, 19 October 1923, Page 6

LAND SETTLEMENT

N.S.W. GOVERNMENT ATTACKED. PREMIER’S REPLY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. SYDNEY, October 18. . In view of the strong outside criticisms of the Government’s immigration policy, Sir George Fuller made a lengthy statement in the Legislative Assembly, in which he fulminated against the “gross misrepresentations which made it appear that the scheme would cost 24 millions.” He denied any departure from the Government’s first intentions, which provided for a six-million loan and a further three millions to make advances to settlers, anl six millions’ worth of Crown lands, a total of 15 millions. He warmly denied that the scheme had iallen through. It was merely postponed. The leaders of the Opposition and the Progressive party charged Sir George Fuller with want of clarity in dealing with the matter, and urged the need for caution, so as not to involve the State in recurring losses. Mr J. T. Lang declared that however much the scheme cost, the Government could never get back from the settlers more than nine millions. The cost of the land would have to be eaerificed. He asked for a report by a Select Committee on the scheme to be tabled. Tho matter was then dropped. COST OF SCHEME ESTIMATED AT £19,G4.j,000. By Tele^raoh. —Pi css A«sn.—Copyright (Received October 18, 7.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, October 18. An advisory committee’s report on the Government’s immigration scheme shows the total estimated cost at £10,645,0CX), of which approximately £13,465,(XX) will bo eventually refunded and the balance utilised for necessary public works. *