EDUCATION RESERVE SECTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 302, 12 September 1877, Page 2

EDUCATION RESERVE SECTION.

[to the editor.]

Sir—As the Board of Education meets to-morrow, you might kindly insert the following copy of a letter forwarded by me to-day, with a view that others might do likewise, in order that the Board might be induced to insert a guarantee clause in our leases against being evioted without valuation for improvements.—l am, &c, Sept. 12,1877. D. Hannan.

Kumara, 12 th September, 1877.

To the Chairman Board of Education, Hokitika. Sir—ln consequence of seeing it notified in the papers that leases could be extended or obtained forKumara sections for a period of 14, or 21 yews, I decided on applying for the longest term, but to my surprise, I was informed thai; before I could have a longer term than seven years my section would have to be submitted to publicoompetition. That course Ido not object to, if I am allowed fair valuation for improvements; but, if otherwise, I most respectfully submit that it would be manifest injustice to the present lessees if, at the end of our term, improvements are not valued, such valuation to be added to the upset rental and paid to the outgoing tenant, should we be outbid by men oj perhaps larger means. I need hardly bring under your notice the fact that the Waste L-vads Board scarcely ever attempts to alienate occupied land without in the first instance securing to the occupier the value of his labor, though such occupier might be in possession without leave or licence. If present holders at Kumara are likely to be disturbed at the expiration of th eir leases, without a guarantee of some security in the direction indicated, what will the consequence be 1 There will be little or no improvements effected on the reserve beyond those that are already in existence. Tenements will become dilapidated, while the reverse will be the case on the Government aide of the town. I write this letter on behalf of other lessees and myself. Hoping that your Board will consider the subject with a view, to encourage where encouragement is much need«d at present,—l have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, Denis Hannah-.