THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5497, 24 February 1896, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY.

POPULARISING THE SETTLERS' ADVANCES OFFICE. [from oub own cobbebpondent.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. Since the publication of the probable policy of tno' reconstructed Ministry, various disquieting- rumours have been prevalent 'as to what the Government intended doing with respect to the admjnietration of 'the Advances to Settlers Office. These rumours took definite .shape in a few remarks made by Sir Boberfc Stout in his address on Friday night respecting this subject. The pith and marrow of these * were that the Government intended destroying the non-political character of the Lending Board, and also contemplated supervising the loans.. Those with but a superficial knowledge of the Advances to Settlers Act knew that its provisions guarded against Buch intervention; '.with the Lending Board by/the,Gov,eri*ment. In order, ■ however, ■'■ to ascertain, if/ fossible, ' more f ully jtfhat :jbhe 4 •^dyerniQent^ 'intett- ■•' ■ tions were in. the'matter, t.l. inention&d the • ' subjeqtjitd Mr 'Soddon/on threadiest bj^jpori! iunityi and that 'gentleniaii' willingly gaW j me.the following partißuhira.: • No alteration in the administration of the Advances ' to Settlers Office is contemplated, and it will continue to be administered by the present Board; It is, however, the intention of the Government to take steps to remove several misapprehensions respecting the working of the scheme. For instance, one of the most important ■of these misapprehensions, and one which the political opponents of the Government have assiduously circulated, is that loans if once granted cannot be paid off before the termination of thirty-six years: The opposite, of course, is the truth of the matter, as loans can be repaid at any time. This misapprehension has had the effect of misleading many who otherwise would have applied for loans. In order to remove this and many other misapprehensions of the Act and also to explain its various provisions, the Government intends recommending the Board to appoint lecturers to address audiences in the farming communities. It is also proposed to ask the Board to supply to unsuccessful applicants the valuations made by the local valuator and by the superintendent valuator, and at the same time give its reasons ' for refusing the advance applied for. The appointment of permanent local valuators and the mapping out of the colony into districts are also under consideration. The duties of these permanent - valuators, in addition ' to the valuation of properties. on which, loans are applied for, will include the explanation of the working of the Act and the removal of misunderstandings respecting it. By these various means the Government hopes that the Advances to Settlers Act will give that full measure of relief it was originally intended to provide.