LAND FOR SOLDIERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 17779, 30 January 1920, Page 5

LAND FOR SOLDIERS

MARLBOROUGH’S COMPLAINT. (Per Press Association.) BLENHEIM, January 29. A meeting of the combined land committees of the Marlborough Patriotic Association and Repatriation Committee to-day severely criticised the methods of the Land Purchase Board and expressed keen disappointment at the lack of consideration shown by the Government, to Marlborough’s claim in the matter of soldiers’ settlement. Reference was made to the fact that last year options were secured over a large area of agricultural and pastoral property, and submitted to the Land Purchase Board. Only three properties were acquired, and will be balloted for in April. Of the properties unacquired, several have since been sold at prices much in advance of original options. It. was pointed out that many Marlborough men were settling in other parts where land was available by ballot. It was deeply regretted that these men had been unable to settle in the district where they had farming experience, and where such large areas* were calling for subdivision. A strong resolution *was passed for communication to the Minister urging greater, recognition of Marlborough’s claim, as returned soldiers’ demand for Crown land was most keen. Tn order to secure more effective working of the recentlyconstituted District Land Purchase Board it was decided to approach the Minister for Repatriation by both the Repatriation Committee and the Patriotic Association.