WAR INJURIES

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3809, 16 September 1936, Page 5

WAR INJURIES

TAKING TOLL OF SOLDIER SETTLERS. The serious effects of recurring war disabilities on many of the soldiers working under the discharged soldiers 1 settlement schemes in the Dominion are emphasised in the report of the Department of Lands and Survey for the year ended March 31, 1936, which was presented to Parlia ment on Friday. In more than one case the appended reports of district officers draw special attention to this class of settler and the need for sympathetic consideration ot his difficulties. Tho report on the operation of the scheme in the North Auckland district states that during the year, certain properties were abandoned to the department through the inability of soldier settlers on account of failing health to carry on witii farming. "This aspect of soldier settlement requires close and sympathetic consideration," tho report adds. Tho report from Marlborough siates that as time goes on war dis abilities are recurring .and surely taking toll. This was no doubt inevitable, but it was with deep regret that the fact had to be recorded. Tho Canterbury report states: “Unfortunately, a considerable proportion of returned men are suffering from the result oi war service, which makes it difficult for them to carry out their programme ol work fully, and their cases are being met sympathetically. Concessions In rent and interest have been made in a great many cases, thus encouraging them to carry on with an improved outlook for tho future.” The Otago report mentions the same aspect of the scheme.

Practically all the. sectional reports on the activities of men under- the scheme refer to the improved position of soldier settlers generally, owing to an increase in prices for primary produce. They claim that the settlers under the scheme have done their share in combating slump conditions. Tho report states that loans authorised under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Account during the year totalled 719, involving an amount of £66,517. Cash receipts for the year rose by £144,987. Additional lands set aside for selection brought the grand tctal proclaimed since the inception of the scheme up to 1,452,829 acres.