LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 45, Issue 13794, 26 March 1919, Page 2

LAND FOR SOLDIERS.

IN THE WAIRARAPA.

At tho meeting-of tho . Wairarapa Patriotic Association yesterday, Mr D. McGregor urged that something definite should bo done in the matter of securng land for soldiers It was useless to train soldiers to bo farmers, and then refuse them the land to go upon. The Government was not doing nearly enough in this matter. Mr Nevins stated that in one Wellington paper ho had seen over 100,000 acres of land offered for sale. Mr McDonald: At what price? Mr Nevins said that a certain property in the Makuri district was suitable for sett lement. Mr H. Morrison stated that an association of soldiers had been formed to inspect this Makuri land. The owners, however, had stated that the land was not suitable for subdivision.

Mr Nevins said he was satisfied that the land was quite adapted for subdivision .

Mr J. T. M. Hornsby suggested that a sub-committee be set up to frame a eottlement policy and place it before the Minister of Lands. He was of opinion that a bettor system was required than that at present in operation. He moved that, in the event of tho House mooting this year, tho members for Masterton, Wairarapa and Pahiatua, with the Lands Committee of this Association, bo asked to wait as a deputation upon the Minister of Lands on tho subject. Mr H. Morrison seconded the resolution. Mr A. McDonald did not think a deputation would be of much value. They could not take land at the present prices for soldiers. Why should one landholder make, a sacrifice, while another, whose property was not suitable for settlement, made no sacrifice? The matter was one for Parliament to deal with. Mr Nevins suggested that there were large areas of Native lands which required cultivating. Mr A. McDonald said that the Government were building railways through these Native lands, and the country would have to pay dearly for the land when it catne to purchase it.

The motion of Mr Hornsby was carried on the voices.