LAND FOR SOLDIERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 25

LAND FOR SOLDIERS

THE HADLOW SETTLEMENT. TIMARU, August 21. The ballot for the Hadlow Settlement for discharged soldiers took place to-day. There were 4-8 applicants for three sections. Tho successful applicants were: Section I—los1 —105 acres 2 roods 3 poles: John William Browne, llokitika. Section 2 —loo acres 3 roods 11 poles; Alfred Ernest Bristovve, Christchurch. Section 3—99 acres 2 roods 7 poles: George Ward Thomson, Timaru. SOLDIER FARMS. CHRISTCHURCH, August 21. The question of providing finance to assist returned soldiers on the land waa discussed by a meeting of land owners in Waiwera County, Little River. The chairman (Mr J. O. Coop) said that at present the Government allowance, of £2500 was very often not quite sufficient for. a man to purchase a farm with, and he thought that if the various individuals would guarantee sums according to their means it would be very considerable help towards putting men on the land. The idea was generally approved, and it waa decided that ratepayers be invited to pay two years' rate* in three instalments for the purpose of providing finance for putting returned soldiers on the land. The revenue from ratea last year was £3OOO, and if the proposal ia carried £6OOO will be available to assist soldier farmers. GOVERNMENT ARRANGEMENTS CRITICISED. ? WELLINGTON, August 26. A meeting of returned soldiers passed tho following resolutions: — 1. That of finance should be no bar to the returned soldier having access to the ballots: Production of discharge from the Expeditionary Force 3 should be the sole qualification for the right to go to the ballot. 2. That the first year's rent on improved lands be capitalised and added to future payments. 3. That the Government supply iron, wire, etc., to settlers at cost price. 4. That this meeting emphatically protest against the niggardly and parsimonious spirit displayed by the Government in connection with soldier settlement*.