MUNICIPALISING GREYMOUTH.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 July 1901, Page 4

MUNICIPALISING GREYMOUTH.

(To the Editor.)

Sib, —Following up my communication of the 12th regarding the native leases, and thanking you for the kindly notice in your editorial "Notes and Comments" the following day; I may state that I do not considor it advisable for a syndicate to buy the Maoris out butjthiak it would be a good move for the borough—as a borough—and acting for the leaseholders, to acquire from the Maoris a perpetual lease of the town and sublet it to present occupiers. The leases could then be arranged either m perpetuity or for a long term say 99 years (which practically would mean a freehold for the occupier) the borough being directly responsible to the Maori landlords, and the tenants rates and rent being collectable in the ordinary way by the borough officials. It would mean probably the borough entering into a bond with the Government to provide annually £2OOO (more < r less wha'hever the amount happens to be) for the Maoris. This amount would of course be something less than the sum now paid as rental by the tenants so there would be no fear of a municipal loss. There would then be some satisfaction in spending money in local improvements —such as tho works now going on and in contemplation because it would be on land directly under borough, control, and section-holders would have no cause to fear that their rent would be risen; indeeri, it is more than likely that the reverse would happen, as should the town grow, land now

unoccupied would be utilized and contribute towards the borough revenue, thus tending to reduce the present rentals, enhancing values and generally producing security and prosperity. —1 am, etc., Zator.