EX-SOLDIER FARMERS

Otago Witness, Issue 3518, 16 August 1921, Page 11

EX-SOLDIER FARMERS

HARD workers only need apply. WELLINGTON, August 10. The difficulty under which many returned soldiers settlors arcs labouring owing- to the financial stringency, was recently the subject of representations to the Minister of Lands by the executive council of tiie New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. A deputation pointed out lhat many ox-soldier tarmors were left in the position of nor, being able to discharge their debts to storekeepers who hau supplied them hitherto witti the necessaries oi tile on credit, and that they now found it impossible to continue on those lines. The committee placed beiore the Minister several suggestions, which it was contended might assist him in alleviating some of the hardships being experienced, especially by those engaged in .sheep! aiming. The Minister received the suggestion favourably, and has now communicated with the secretary of the association. In Ins reply the Minister said, “The trouble would appear to concern principally the. soldier-settlers who arc shecpfariners and glaziers of stock, and the difficulties under which' they labour is due primarily to the poor prices now obtained for their wool and fat stock. I have much pleasure m informing you that this matter lias received the serious consideration of the Government, and it has been decided that the only solution of the difficulty is in the direction of providing further financial assistance, by an adjustment of mortgages, with a consequent increase in accommodation, such adjustment to relate only to L»use soldiersettlers who are hard workers, who have done sterling work in the development of their properties, and whom I consider should be offered every inducement to remain on the land. ’ ’