LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 457, 28 July 1915, Page 9

LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

BALLOT FACILITIES. REWARD FOR PATRIOTISM. Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 27. The question of the steps that should be taken to provide returning soldiers with land arose at the New Zealand Farmers' Union Conference to-day, when the following remits were introduced:— "That special legislation be provided, giving first preference at land ballots' to men who are serving with the Expeditionary Forces, provided that they would have been eligible to ballot if they had been in New Zealand, and that the representatives

of these men be allowed to apply on their behalf."—(Wellington.) "That this conference urge the Government to set aside suitable areas of Crown and other lands in each land district, so that soldiers returning from active service shall have first option of taking up sections in such areas if they so desire."— (Marlborough.) "That the Government be urged to set aside blocks of land which could only be balloted for by returned soldiers."—(Wellington.) Mr H. A. Nivens (Wellington) said it would be a suitable thing for the present conference to endorse the scheme. He moved the first remit. Mr G. Gardner (North Canterbury) pointed out that many soldiers knew nothing about the land. It would be better if they were given preference by being reinstated in their old positions. He suggested j

jthat the first and third remits, be} ; I struck out, and the second only con* ! sidered. Mr Nivens said that he knew of cases in the Wairarapa where sol- •-, diers had gone abroad, "after having put in; applications to ballot for land; the ballot had been and the soldiers' applications had lapsed. Other delegates insisted that all the civil rights of the soldiers abroad should be conserved, and expressed the opinion that young men at the front should be allowed to take part in every land ballot through their relatives. The first resolution was carried unanimously, and No. 2 remit was passed with enthusiasm. The third remit, being similar to the second, was withdrawn. For Chronic Chest Complaints, Wooda' Great Peppermint Cure, 1/6, 2/6, 4