CROWN TENANTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2104, 1 February 1908, Page 2

CROWN TENANTS.

THE QUESTION OF TRANSFER.

Press Association. AUCKLAND, Jan. 31. Aii important question concerning rebates of rent to Crown tenants under the Bush .and Swamp Act came before the Auckland Board at- its meeting this afternoon. Settlers taking up leases under the Act referred to are allowed to hold the land rent free for four years, after paying the first half-year’s rent. If, however, they transfer the lease, they are required to pay the rent in full, up till the dote of transfer, and it is optional with the Board -whether the transferee shall be allowed- .a- remission for the balance of the unexpired term of four years. It was the latter point that cropped up in connection with the transfer of several leases in the Opotiki district, which- have recently changed hands, at a considerable profit. The Commissioner. (Mr. .J. Mackenzie)) said that the intention of the Act, as he took it, was to assist settlers in the back country during the early years of their occupa-tkmT -and before tho land was productive. However, if they chose to traffic in the land, the concession ought not to bo allowed to the incoming tenant. A number of the leases, he said, indicated that the land was being made use of for speculative purposes, and a speculator could take up the land, pay a half-year’s rent, do a certain amount of improvements, and then sell-out-at a huge profit, the transaction being made more profitable from tho fact that land was rent free to the end of the four years, from the lime when it was originally taken u-b. This seemed to be the position of tfuT' transferees, where allowed the benefit of the rebate. It was -agreed .after considerable discussion to defer the matter until the next mooting of tho Board, in order that it might be discussed by the Appeal Board, including the representatives of tho Grown tenants.