SOLDIERS’ FARMS

Southland Times, Issue 19101, 20 November 1923, Page 6

SOLDIERS’ FARMS

THE REVALUATION SYSTEM. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 19. Hon. W. Nosworthy, acting for the Minister of Lands, when approached for his views in connection with the resolutions passed at a recent meeting of returned soldiers from Mangaweka and Ohingaiti, issued the following:— (1) “Regarding the settlerfe’ disappointment at the Government’s selection of Mr L. McLean as chairman of one of the Revaluation Committees, the Act was specially framed to provide for the appointment of committees on the recommendation of the Dominion Board and thus eliminate anything in the nature of political appointments. The chairman of the Dominion Board assures me that the only factors weighing with the board when making the recommendations were the integrity, ability and fitness of the various gentlemen. Mr McLean had had considerable experience in farming generally, is a good judge of the value of land and his long connection with local bodies shows that he is a man of standing in the district and possesses the confidence of the public. The Dominion Board, holding these views, had no hesitation in recommending him for the position which he accepted at considerable inconvenience to himself. It was only after a special interview in Wellington with the representative of the Dominion Board that Mr McLean was induced to accept the position and had he been considering his private interests only, he would not have accepted. (2) “The assertion that settlers are receiving ‘threatening and incriminating documents’ with respect to their arrears, does not correctly state the position. The settlers are, of course, expected to do what is reasonable in the way of meeting their obligations. The work of the Lands Department on financial matters must comply with the Treasury and audit requirements, consequently no laxity can be permitted. If any case of alleged undue pressure on the part of officers of the Department is brought under notice, I shall be pleased to. have inquiries made. (3) “The request that the settlers’ financial standing be not considered in connection with the revaluation, is not understood and it is difficult to see how the committee can indicate the way whereby a settler can be placed on a satisfactory footing unless his liabilities and means of meeting them are known.”