SOLDIER SETTLERS OPTIMISTIC.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19046, 17 December 1923, Page 3

SOLDIER SETTLERS OPTIMISTIC.

A MINISTERIAL STATEMENT LANDS AVAILABLE FOR SELECTION. (Fee United Press Association.) GISBORNE. December 15. The Hon. W. Nosworthy and the Hon. R. F. Bollard have returned from a t.rip up the East Coast, where many deputations were received on local matters. These visits to the back country areas are bein'; made mainly to look at the kinds which the Government is anxious shall be made available to desirable settlers In the course of an interview, Mr Nosworthy stated; “One. of the interesting features of the visit which Mr Bollard and myself paid to the coast was the optimism of the soldier settlers .of tlio district. We had conversations and discussions with many. of them. , They had great hope for the‘future, and were satisfied that their prospects were bright. 1 think these men are right in their judgment. There is certainly a future before them, and their confidence is not misplaced. The soldiers were very pleased with the legislation passed for the amelioration of the difficulties of the men, anil the Government's action was fully appreciated. bv them.” Referring to the land proposed to be opened on the East Coast, the Minister said that there would be available some 8345 acres, of good la*nd in AVaiapau Conntv for selection under the Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act, 1915. It was a good area, and should be eagerly sought after. The Minister went on to refer to new lands which the Lands Department was throwing open for occupation throughout the dominion. “At present," he said, “ihere are available over 400,000 acres for selection, and in addition to this there will be 204,954 acres of new lands ballotted for before March, 31 next. ' These latter comprised the following:— Gisborne land district. 8343 acres; Auckland land district. 32,091 acres; Otago land district 164,522 acres. “It will thus be seen,” commented Mr Nosworthy, “that fairly rapid progress is- being • made by the Government in the throwing open of suitable areas for settlement.” The Ministers will visit Wairoa and Waikaremoana, and go on to Napier on Tuesday. '