SMALL FARMS ACT

Evening Star, Issue 23370, 13 September 1939, Page 16

SMALL FARMS ACT

COMPULSORY PURCHASE ABOLISHED LEASE EXTENSION TO 33 YEARS [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 12. Abolition of the compulsory purchasing clause and an extension from 10 to 33 years of leases granted under the Small Farms Act are provided for in the Small Farms Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House to-day by Governor-General’s Message. Explaining the Bill, the Minister of Lands, Mr Langstone, said it was in accordance with promises given to the occupiers of small farms. At present the leases were for 10 years, with a compulsory purchasing clause operating at the eiid of that time. Occupiers found that this was not satisfactory, and had asked for a 33-year renewable lease, with no compulsion to purchase. This was incorporated in the Bill. There would be no right to the freehold of the properties, Mr Langstone added, but those who had already acnnired freeholds would not he affected. The scope_ of the legislation was extended to include people not necessarily unemnloved. and a further provision adjusted faults in the drafting clauses dealing with payments. The Bill was read a first time.