"Soldier settlement formed a major part of the development of King Island between 1947and 1965. There was little work in Australia for the returned soldiers from World War II and the Korean War. Many wanted to farm the land and this was offered through the War Service Land Settlement Schemes throughout Australia. Opportunities on mainland Australia and in Tasmania were snapped up quickly. Those who missed out on the mainland ballots turned to the lesser known King Island. The island whilst remote gave them the opportunity to go into Dairy and Lamb farming, where they could still carve out a future for themselves and their families."--Back cover.