FARM PURCHASES

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23215, 31 May 1945, Page 6

FARM PURCHASES

Returned Men Relate Their Experiences Rehabilitation Authorities Criticised I (N.Z.P.A.) PALMERSTON N„ May 30. Two delegates to the internrovincial conference of the Farmers’ Union today spoke in displeasing terms of the treatment meted’ out to them by the rehabili.ation authorities in respect to farms Mr L. H. Calvert (Greytown) moved “that all dairy herds taken over by returned men be tested for T.B. before passing into their possession; that all machinery taken over be inspected and valued by an expert; and that the State Advances Corporation bear the cost of any replacements.” Mr Calvert cited his own case, saying an application for a T.B. test was refused. When he went to the farm he found the machinery and implements dilapidated and it cost him £309 for replacements. He also cited the case of another soldier who. after being refused a grant by the Rehabilitation Board to go to a farm, had got the money from a bank, and then found 4!) cows out of 59 condemned through T.B. Mr N. L. Christensen (Greytown) said the Rehabilitation Board refused to give him a valuation of the stock and implements and he had to take the farm as a going concern. When he pursued private inquiries he was told by the owner of the farm that the low price of the stock was offset by the high valuation of the machinery. “I am amazed and shocked to hear the stories of these t'.vo delegates. I had no idea that farm rehabilitation was operating in this fashion,” declared Mr R. O. Montgomery, who . moved a motion demanding an investigation into the scandalous treatment ! of the two returned soldier delegates, j that those responsible for the dis- I graceful mismanagement of rehabillta- I tion be brought to book, and that those I ex-service personnel who suffered in j consequence of mismanagement be , compensated from the rehabilitation , funds. “I hope the Farmers’ Union ( will press this matter with all possible i speed to save further chaps from get- I ting into the same pickle,” added Mr / Montgomery. Another motion requested the Rehabilitation Department, to make avail- I able to soldier applicants details of the ' valuation of the stock and chattels on : farm properties.