RETURNED SOLDIERS LAND HUNGER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 45

RETURNED SOLDIERS LAND HUNGER.

LEASES OF SECTIONS FORFEITED. OHRISTCHURGH,, June 2. Owing to tn© pressure of business caused by the land hunger of returned soldiers, the Canterbury Land Board resolved to call the attention of the Minister to the serioua position that has arisen. Owing to the enormous increase in the -work connected •with discharged soldiers, incurring fortnightly meetings of the board, extending over two days each, and the shortage of the staff, an undue strain was being put on the officers who were nt present endeavouring to carry on the work, and the board strongly urged that additional officers should bo appointed without delay. With a view to assisting to appease the land hunger, the board has decided to forfeit the leases of a number of sections for non-com-plianco with the conditions, and to offer them for selection by soldiera

( Tho railway engine died at Kingston was ', \urned to trie ground recently. An er i\pe which was in the building was com I'Wtely destroyed. Though the shed_ is olose to tho settlement the conflagration r.as not discovered till the demolition of *he structure wa3 almost complete. Tho Origin of the outbreak is unknown. A message was hastily despatched to Lumsden for !va engine to take the morning express. A 'ytart was made next day with the erection another shed.