SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXVI, Issue 18430, 14 March 1922, Page 7

SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

R.S.A.’s INVESTIGATIONS. MOST SETTLERS OPTIMISTIC. Recognising that the Soldier Settlement problem called for some investigation, headquarters of the N.Z.U.S.A. directed letters to reputed settlers in each of the larger Soldier Settlements in the Dominion, soliciting opinions regarding soldier settlement generally. It was contended that ni better guide to existing conditions. and what they might demand in the way of bringing about future improvement, could be had, than the opinions of the men personally concerned. The idea underlying the N.Z.R.S.A.'s scheme was to get at the root of any hardships, and if possible lind remedies. Briefly each settler was asked: How was he getting on? How was he treated by the Department? What were his complaints (if any?). What were his suggestions for the betterment of soldier settlers. Some thirty-nine replies were received, and from a close scrutiny of these it must be conceded that on the whole New Zealand Soldier settlers are doing as well as can b? expected under present circumstances, and are receiving very fair treatment at the hands of the Land’s Department. It has been noted that twenty-five out of the total replies received credit the Department with fair treatment. Suggestions for improvement vary according to the locality from which they come. Specific cases of complaint have been placed before the Departments concerned and remedies have been either carried out or promised. The following suggestions were culled from the various replies received:— fl.) Revaluation for rent. Some settlers have suggested a valuation on a sliding scale, based upon the productive capacity of the land. (2) Revaluation for rating. (3) Improvements to be held as security for arrears. (4) 25 per cent to be the maximum reduction on milk cheques. (5) 10 per cent rebate on any portion of rent paid. (6) Option of securing good bulls bred by the Government. (7) Dairy farms secured after the season has commenced to have the first year's rent capitalised, or spread over a number of years. (8) Reduee the price of grass seed and wire or establish a Government Depot. (9) Capitalise rent if property covered with gorse. (10) A more democratic way of setting up Land Boards. (11) To set up a central Soldiers’ Settlers Branch in Wellington, and communicate with farmers by mail.