THE LAND BILL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2208, 11 October 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

Press Association.

WELLINGTON, Oct. 10. . After midnight on Wednesday Mr. James Allan stated that the present legal deiinition of improvements was very unsatisfactory, and substantial grievances cropped up every tune a valuation was made. At clause 7, ivhich provides for a valuation of substantial improvements of a permanent character, which are in exis.ence and unexhausted on the land oeing valued prior to the expiry of the lease, he moved to delete the words “and unexhausted.”

Mr. Duncan contended that something more than tho Bill contained was necessary. A settler should get the full extent of the extra value put upon his land. Mr. Herries pointed out that in the Act of 1592 the definition of improvements did not contain stumping land, cropping, grassing, or the prevention of sand-drift. .

Sir. McNab promised to give consideration to these matters with a view to introducing them into the -definition of improvements at a later stage if found equitable. After further discussion the amendment was rejected by. 36 to 27. Clauses 7 and 8 were passed unamended.

Clause . 12, providing for the appointment of arbitrators, raised some discussion. Mr. Massey complained that the powers, of arbitrators under the clause were not sufficiently wide so far as valuing improvements was concerned . Mr. McNab said the arbitrators had all the powers required, but would have to keep inside the law. Mr. Massey moved to strike out sub-clause 4,' making the determination of arbitrators subject to the provisions governing valuations made by an appraiser. * This was rejected by 40 to 25. ■ •- On Mr. James Allen’s motion, Mr. McNab accepted an addition to clause 17 to allow appreciation as well as depreciation of improvements between the date of valuation or arbitration and the date the lessee gives up possession of the land.

Mr. Massey moved to exempt the clause from sub-section 2 of clause 15, under which the renewable lease does not confer the right to remove minerals. This was negatived by 38 to 26.

Mr. Massey, moved to exempt kauri gum from the clause. Mr. McNab said kauri gum was not a mineral. He had been advised that it did not come under the clause. Tho Government did not intend that tenants should Tfe restricted in the use of kauri gum. Mr. Stallworthy called for a division.

The amendment was agreed to by 41 to 21.

Progress was reported, and the House rose at 2.25 a.m. The debate was continued this afternoon and evening, and the discussion was proceeding on clause 19 when the telegraph office closed.