STATE GUARDIANSHIP

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 60, 8 September 1931, Page 8

STATE GUARDIANSHIP

When land valuations and mortgages were being discussed by the Manawatu Executive of the Farmers' Union one member said he was in favour of the Government refusing to register a mortgage over a certain value, that value to be according to the productive nature of the land. Excessive valuation of lard by owners and over-mortgaging are certainly responsible in great measure for farmers' difficulties. But how far is any Government to go in checking this?^ The State recognises it has certain duties towards minors. It protects them against their own inexperience. But it cannot treat responsible landowners of mature age in the same way. If the State were to refuse to register a mortgage the landowner would immediately protest: "Have I not the right to do what I wish with .my own property?" There would be complaints, and justifiable complaints, of Government interference with business and of red lape hindering enterprise. The fact is that every mortgage registered has been given voluntarily by the mortSag°r- The mortgagor may say now that the Government should not have allowed him to give it; but if he does say so he admits his incapacity to manage his own affairs. ■ There must be responsibility in business, and in farming business as well as trade. The Government cannot be guardian and nurse to everyone, even though it is possible that without guardianship many will borrow more than they can hope to repay- and many will lend more than they should. ' ■