TIMBER ROYALTIES

Hokitika Guardian, 13 February 1922, Page 4

TIMBER ROYALTIES

A COMMISSION PROMISED. (Grey Star.) WELLINGTON, Febr nary 10. A clause added to the Finance Bill provides that a commission shall he appointed to inquire and report upon the extent to which the local authorities may incur loss of revenue from royalties, consequent on the passing of the Forests Act, 1921-22, and upon the provision which should consequently he made from the revenues of the State Forest services or otherwise. Mr Seddon urged the Premier to immediately set up a commission, as it was a matter of great importance to West Coast local bodies. Mr Massey replied that as the Fores,*., ,\ct did not come into operation till April 1, the commission could not be appointed till that date, hut it would be possible to get its report in time for next session. MI LUNG RIGHTS. The Legislative Council has agreed to amendments made in the Forests BiH by the House of Representatives. An important provision which has been added, safeguards milling rights granted under license by Wardens, and giving authority for application to Wardens to extend licenses over existing reservations. Other clauses were of a machinery nature. Dealing with the finance of the Department, Sir Francis Bell stated in regard to the first mentioned amendment that lie had proposed it with great reluctance, and only because it provided a measure of justice which seemed to be due. Sir K. Mitchelson and the Hon J. Grimmond protested against the amendment, which they thought was likely to endanger the forest. The leader of the Council insisted that he had not changed his opinion. Ho reluctantly moved the amendment, because it was just. If the clause were not added injustice would 4 oliow. There was a vested right by law which the amendment was intended to protect. He spoke as one who had sole authority in' the matter. The amendment which took away the Warden’s rights was not in the original Bill. The original amendment passed the House by accident, hut before it was submitted he expressed the opinion that it should be modified, and a modification had been made accordingly.