SOLDIER FARMERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16814, 17 August 1922, Page 4

SOLDIER FARMERS.

SUGGESTIONS BY NEW ZEALAND R.S.A. THE MINISTER’S REPLIES. Tho following are remits forwarded to the Alinister of Lands by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association and the Minister’s replies thereto: - Remit (1). That the present system of capitalisation of postponement of rent or interest is strong alike to the settler and to the countryReply.—l agree that the capitalisation of postponed rent or instalments would impose a heavy additional burden on a virgo number of settlers, and have to state that in very few instances is capitalisation resorted to as a means of overcoming the present difficulties; then, only when reports distinctly show that properties can readily stand the additional annual charge. Remit (2).—That this council is of opinion that the Government should set up, immediately, local commissions in each district to re-value soldier settlement land on the basis of the ruling prices for produce over the last twelve years. Such commissions to comprise, in each district: (1) An officer of the Land Valuation Department; (2) A practical farmer with local knowledge of tho district; (3) A representative of the N.Z.R.S.A. (preferably an accountant). Also that a deputation from this council wait upon the Prime Alinister and-the Minister of Lands to place this resolution before them and that the N.Z.R.S.A. avails itself of every possible mean* to have this policy adopted by the Government during the following session.

/ Reply.— Regarding the recommendation that the Government set up immediately local commissions in each district to re-value soldier settlement*) on tho basis of the ruling values of produce over the last twelve years, I have to advise that I have already announced in tho House that a board will be set up to investigate the position of each ,soldier settlement. I am not yet in a position to indicate the personnel of the hoard, but it will be representative of men thoroughly experienced in the various branches of farming.

Remit (3). —Until a re-valuation takes plaoe, all rentals and interest charges should, he reviewed immediately so as to give the soldier settler a reasonable chance of retaining his holding and that for this purpose a committee consisting of three competent farmers (one to be nominated by the R.S.A.) he set up in each land district to put such policy in operation. Reply.—-Regarding the suggestion that pending,re-valuation, all the rente and interest shall be reviewed immediately ; T have to advise that postponement. when necessary, would appear to meet the case. The revaluation later on 'will determine what adjustment, if any, should be made. Remit (4). —That the Dominion Council of the N.Z.R.S.A. recommends that the D.S.S. Act, in so far as it refers to the erection of dwellings, he re-opened, and that the Government be requested to state a period in which applications will be received. Reply.—AVith reference to tho request that loan* be again re-opened for the purpose of advances for the erection of dwellings, and that the Government ho requested to state a period in which applications wilT be received; 1 regret that owing to the present financial position there is no possibility of acceding to this request, but I may state that where returned soldiers had purchased properties in anticipation that a loan would be granted, provision has been made to finance a reasonable number of these men from time to time with loans towards the erection of their homes.

Remit (5). —That until such times as the D.S.S. Act is renewed the Government make provisions for permitting all returned soldiers to take advantage of the concessions offered under the Advances to Workers. Reply.—AVith regard to the suggestion that pending the renewal of operations for the erections of houses under tho Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement Act, the Government permits returned soldiers to take advantage of the concessions offered under the Advances to Workers: I have to advise that there would appear to be no reason why they should not make application to the officer controlling that Department. Remit (6). —That returned soldiers who have financed themselves on the land receive the same privileges as those placed ou the land by the Government. Reply.—l do not know of any reason why returned soldiers who have financed themselves in the purchase of land should not receive the same privileges as those placed on the land by the Government. Presumably, the as-

sociation means loans to improve and stock their lands. Where recommendations for loans have been madfe by the board for such purposes, they havo been granted. Remit (7). —That 25 per cent be the maximum deduction made by the Government from the monthly milk cheques of soldier settlers engaged exclusively in dairy farming, except in exceptional ci r c uni* tan ces. Reply.—Regarding the suggestion that 25 per cent be the maximum deduction from milk cheques, except in exceptional circumstances: I have to advise that the matter is one that must he decided by the board of tile district, which must take into consideration the liabilities and the fitness of tho men engaged in dairy farming. Instructions already issued are 'to the effect that no order shall exceed 50 per cent, without special approval. Remit (8). —That the advance to returned soldiers for improvements on ti-tree, gorse and blackberry claf* of land lie increased from £750 to £I,OOO, as it is considered that this class of land requires as much expenditure to break in and improve ais does busli land. Reply.—AVith regard to the request that loans be increased from £750 to £IOOO to enable soldiers to improve titree. gorse and blackberry class of land: 1 have to advise that the regulations already provide for a maximum of £250 bewg advanced on table mortgage, this amount being first applied to discharge tho current account loan of £750. The additional advance is oil a security not exceeding 75 per cent of tho value of the improvements effected—whichever is the greater. Remit (9). —.That the Lands Department be urged to open the Kaitaia Swamp at the earliest possible moment for settlement of returned soldiers and that the reading be taken in hand immediately. Reply.—AVith regard to the opening of the Kaitaia Swamp land* for settlement, the drainage of this area is being pushed cu as rapidly as possible with machinery recently imported into this Remit (10.) —Concerning rating on land settled hv soldier settler*: This

council recommends that sueh settlers should not be asked to pay rates on higher values than adjoining owners on similar lands. R^pl.V-—The question of rates paid by soldier settlers is a matter that mint be governed by the values a s fixed by the A r aluation Department. Remit (11).—That this council urges that the Government to undertake at once, so far ae it is able, the development of all Crown Land* capable of irrigation. Reply. —The development of all Crown Lands capable of irrigation is one that is limited by finance, and until such time as the financial position improves. I am afraid very little can be done.