SOLDIER SETTLERS.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15358, 5 October 1923, Page 5

SOLDIER SETTLERS.

REVALUATION OF FARMS,

STATEMENT BY MINISTER.

(By Telegraph.—Special to Times.)' WELLINGTON, Thursday. The Acting-Minister of Lands 1 , in reply to an enquiry by the press regarding the views of the South Taranakl Returned Soldiers' Association on the re-valuation of soldier farms, said the position was quite clear. In a circular issued to all soldier-settlers they were informed that they could apply for re-valuation at any time on or before February 28. This is in accordance with the Act, which provides that application may be made at any time within six months from the passing of the Act. On the back of the application form applioant is requested to give an estimate of receipts and expenditure for the 12 months ending June 30, 1924, and there is no mention of the date 28th February on the application form. What the settler is asked to supply is an estimate of receipts and expenditure for 12 months, and surely anyone applying for re-valuation should not object ,to supplying such information. If the estimate is 1 fair and reasonable and the settler is unable to pay his way even with good husbandry, it would appear that the land is over-valued. In the case of re-valuation, therefore, it would appear to be in the settler's interest to have the estimate filled in. The principal feature or the whole business, however, is that the District Committees are quite unhampered in their re-valuation work, and will not be asked to value land on a basis of even 12 months' receipts. They will make their valuations in such a manner as they think fit, and being men of experience, can be relied upon to give a fair and unbiassed valuation. This is what the Government and the settlers should look for.