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CANTERBURY. (J. F. Quinn, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Taken as a whole the soldier settlers have experienced a imich better season than for some time past. Those engaged in sheep-farming obtained better prices for wool and lambs, and many have improved their flocks. A fair number of settlers, however, are still somewhat handicapped by holding insufficient area, and, where possible, opportunity is taken to increase their holdings. Unfortunately, a considerable proportion of returned men are suffering from the result of war service, which makes it difficult for them to fully carry out their programme of work, and their cases are being met sympathetically. Concessions in rent and interest have been made in a great many cases, thus encouraging them to carry on with an improved outlook for the future. OTAGO. (N. C. Kensington, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) Soldier settlers on areas set apart under the Discharged Soldiers Settlement Act have, in common with other settlers, had a satisfactory year. The soldier settler has now been established for a number of years ; he must be regarded as experienced, and should be able to stand up to the various phases of farming and the market fluctuations so often experienced. In several cases the Field Inspectors have devoted years of constant attention to the general method of farming being carried on and to the purchase and selling of stock. Some settlers do not appear to be making much headway, even under this constant supervision, and it would seem that the man is not suitable for the occupation followed, or that war disabilities are making themselves felt; and in these cases lam not hopeful of the future. lam pleased to say these remarks refer to only a small proportion of the soldier settlers, as the majority are carrying on in a very satisfactory manner and given fair prices should cause little concern in the future. SOUTHLAND. (T. Cagney, Commissioner of Crown Lands.) The position of soldier settlers engaged in sheep-farming, or mainly so, may now be generally regarded as on a sound footing, taking into account remissions of rent and interest granted during the period. Those, however, engaged mainly in butterfat production are still handicapped by low prices for butterfat, and on this account probably further concessions will ultimately have to be considered.

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