“UNFAIR STATEMENT"

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 26 July 1929, Page 5

“UNFAIR STATEMENT"

REGARDING PURCHASE OF LAND BY WARD GOVERNMENT (By Telegraph) (From “The Mail’s” Parliamentary \ . f Reporter) WELLINGTON, 25th July. The Hon. G. W. Forbes (Minister of Lands), in an interview to-day, stated that his attention had been drawn to a letter in a hewspaper specifically stating that no properties, with the exception of one. had been acquired by the Ward Government. “This,” said Mr Forbes, “is quite an unfair statement of the position, as considerable headway had been made wherever it - was possible to acquire land at a reasonable price. The question of a private person acquiring a farm for his own use is hardly comparable with the Government- acquiring the same for subdivision. Where the Government acquires properties its officers must face the subsequent cost of reading, etc. The Dominion Land Purchase Board has the sole responsibility of recommending purchases to tlie Government, and takes every care to obtain reliable valuations. “To date some eleven properties, totalling 11,357 acres, have been acquired bv agreement to purchase at £214,399, with delivery at specified dates. Obviously, the Government desire to offer properties for selection and delivery at suitable seasonable periods, and arrangements are being made for ballots to take place some three months before actual delivery. It follows that settlers will know well in advance of their success at ballot, and make due arrangements for occupation. Also the purchase money will be paid over by the Crown upon'accepting the several deliveries, thus saving interest.” Mr Forbes also staled that the Department had arranged with the several vendors to allow building material, etc., lo be brought into the several areas by successful applicants soon after each lmllot, and also for the prosecution of necessary road formation. Mr Forbes further stated that the Dominion Land Purchase Board was now negotiating particularly with regard to several properties which it- was expected it would be able to acquire at a satisfactory figure.