SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 47, Issue 14449, 25 July 1921, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLEMENT.

RELIEF FOR STRUGGLING MEN. (By Telegraph-Press Association.) DANNEVIRKE, This Day. Replying to a deputation from the Dannevirke- branch of the Hawke’s Bay War Relief Association, which asked the Hon. D. 11. Guthrie what the Government intended to do in affording relief to soldier settlers who were having a big struggle owing to the conditions prevailing. The Minister for Soldier Settlements said that the Government was doing everything possible for them. It was prepared in cases of emergency to 'postpone payment of rents until the soldiers were able to get on their feet. It was also prepared to ~-tak£-' payments in instalments, spread over number of years, without, the payees sacrificing any privileges, and without the payment of interest on instalment moneys. If at the end of the period the men could not, pay the ' amount owing it could bo capitalised. In eases "of extreme urgency the Government could remit the payments due, but it could make no .general rule. Each case Would have to be considered on its merits. In regard to grassing, the Government was prepared to meet the soldiers in a similar manner to the settlers .who were burnt out. He wanted to emphasise one point, viz., the contract between the soldier and the Government would be kept, but the soldier must be a trier; otherwise he would only be wasting his time.