OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

Putaruru Press, Volume VII, Issue 299, 1 August 1929, Page 4

OTHER PAPERS’ OPINIONS.

CROWN SETTLERS. In the House of Representatives the member for Waikato, Mr. F. Lye, again gave voice to a suggestion meriting full consideration by the Government when he said that he regretted the Minister of Lands had not seen fit to give effect to his proposal in connection with the right of appeal in the matter of forfeiture of leases. Mr. Lye’s idea is that a board should be set up comprising a local magistrate, a member to represent settlers concerned, and one to represent the Land Board. The Minister’s reply was that a settler could apply for a rehearing by the Land Board, and for a final appeal to the Supreme Court. On paper this looks very well, but when it comes to practical application it is a serious matter to those Crown settlers who are faced with the likelihood of having to forfeit their leases or of being sold up under a mortgage. In the first place the appeal to the Supreme Court is altogether too costly, and then again such a position calls for prompt arrangement, and in the majority of cases the lengthy delay that is usually associated with Supreme Court action is fatal to the settler. It seems to us that the setting up of a tribunal somewhat on the lines suggested by Mr. Lye is a very excellent solution of difficulties that have been experienced in the past. Such a board as proposed by Mr. Lye, in addition to being able to take prompt action, would have the value of local knowledge of the individual cases brought before them. There would be no need for it to be a permanent institution, but it would only be called upon as circumstances arose, and as such it would involve the Government in very little administrative expenses. Each party interested in the appeal

would meet its own expenses. There is no question that such a board would enable appeals to be dealt with more expeditiously than at present, and this point is of vital importance to thos,e concerned. Settlers would have a minimum of expense, for there would be no heavy counsel expenses to provide for, and as a whole it Would he a boon to Crown settlers who from time to time are compelled by circumstances to make fresh arrangements with the Government. Mr. Lye stated in the House that he would not be satisfied until he got what he was asking for, and there will' be many Crown settlers who will hope that his persistence will hear fruit. Cambridge Independent. i