King Country Chronicle Saturday, September 13, 1913 THE NEW LAND BILL.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VII, Issue 602, 13 September 1913, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Saturday, September 13, 1913 THE NEW LAND BILL.

The new Land Bill introduced by Mr Masßey this week has ■ with juEtice been termed a useful measure, inasmuch as it is largely devoted to amending and improving existing land laws. Many matters of detail which have been ihe medium of agitation from time to time are dealt with, and the general re3ult will undoubtedly be of value in the interests of settlement throughout the Dominion. In addition to the numerous amending clauses several highly important new features are introduced. The freehold policy is strictly adhered to while the aggregation of both Crown and private IniKis ifi carefully safeguaarded. The part, dealing with pastoral licenses rloo.H not; aiioet this district to any exLent. and Ins provisions in this direction have iKi'ii carefully worked out in such a manner to conserve both ; toe iniei'G.'u.i of ihe settler and of the State. Oi" special interest to : ew disirieh;. however, is ihe part ro'aiinp; to ihe road in?; of land to I which proper access has not been provided. Provision i» made for the creation of woaeiai .districts within which the- whole of the revenue derived from the diypora! of Crown lauds shall bo devoted to ihe cimu rue! ion of aifordinfi; acccso to the iondo '■vßhhi I the district. Hueh epwcisl district may

exist for a period of fifteen years bo that in the ordinary course of progress there should be ample time and money to adequately road any ordinary settlement. Exactly what manner in which the scheme will work out has yet to be determined, but any , attempt to make adequate and definite arrangements for the roading of new settlements is to be commended, and obviously if the revenue derived from the land is to be ear-marked for roading little more can be expected. Such an important measure as a Land Bill is not likely to pass the House without being aubjectel to the fullest criticier/. and more light will be shed upon tl)3 bearing of the various clauses It is gratifying to sue that the roading question is receiving recognitiiin, and the fact that the firat imDorta:;t Land Bill of the Govern ment contains important roading proposal is an indication that the requirements of the backblocks settler are claiming Vent measure of consideration which they so richly deserve.