THE GOVERNMENT LAND PROPOSALS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8869, 20 July 1907, Page 3

THE GOVERNMENT LAND PROPOSALS.

The Land Bill, which was laid o.i tin table of the House last ovenmb. “<.alt o only with Crown* lands but n,h£ "• for Settlements land. llirt p fT r .p* . visions relating to concerning tho latter af V > ~ " t , «“ A ln rr“rpitnHy. place of the le . - m. l a t P. m GG years nowable lca ~ , 0 f renewal. This of last year’s prori a lit is rental is -1 per cent per visions. j provision in the Bill for X'Vaiiit of improvements, at the , f t j, o successive terms, foe simple and yearly rental by arbitrators appointed by the ratios if they fail to agree. If tho lessee docs not accept a renewal the Crown will pay tho value of tho improveThe tenant, in tho case ef a renewable lease or lease in perpetuity can pay up to 00 per cent of the capital value of the land comprised in his lease when the rent will bo proportionately reduced. When 50 per cent has been paid the tenant holds the land free of conditions other than rent, residence, and liability for Commission of Waste. Any amount paid over 50 per cent will be refunded on application. Honeys paid under these provisions are paid into tho Land for bottlements’ account which pays interest to the consolidated revenue at the rate of i per cent. The general provisions of the lease in perpetuity apply to the renewable lease. Owners of leases in perpetuity! may surrender their leases and obtain renewable leases. Tbo o nicr of a lease in perpetuity may purchase tue freehold at a price equal to the capital value of land at the time of tho purchase. Machinery is set up for giving effect to this provision and the value of the Land is determined by Arbitration. On such a purchase the lease naturally determines. Tho limitation of area provisions apply to lands purchased under this clause. In order to facilitate settlement, power is civento tho Board, with tho consent of the Minister, to provide that for a number of years not exceeding ton, no rent shall bo piayable under the renewable lease. Provisions following tho above aro largely machinery amendments of a comparatively non - contentions nature. In tbo classification of land a third class is added where the tenant is allowed to hold up to 3000 acres. A clause has been introduced whereby the Minister can consent to the holder of a pasturage lease or license, cultivating a portion of Ins land to grow winter feed for stock and also for ploughing and laying down in grass on an additional area of not exceeding 3000 acres and providing for such to reckon as improvements for valuation purposes at the termination oi tle lease. In cases of ballot the landless shall have preference over those who have land. The Board mav examine applicants before the ballot is taken. A successful applicant who has disposed of his land shall be ineligible for live years after such disposal. Provisions are contained in tho Bill making clear tho powers of executors on tho death of a lessee or licensee so that all Boards may work on a .uniform plan and any uncertainty as to procedure which may exist in the minds of the public may be removed. In connection with part 11, which deals with land for settlements lands, such lands are disposed of by way of renewable lease. In these cases, however, the terms of lease is 33 years with a perpetual right of renewal as before. The rental of the first lease is to he not less than 5 per cent on the capital value. At the end of each term a new rental is assessed as in the case of the 66 years lease. "Where land for settlements lands aro disposed of they will bo disposed of by way of public tender to the highest tenderer, subject to provisions as to” a minimum rental. In the case of tenderers for the same amount tho successful applicant is to bo determined by ballot. Regulations aro to be drawn up laying down procedure for the ballot. In taking land compulsorily under the Act, its value is assessed as on the valuation roll in force at the time when the requisition is gazetted, provided that any increase in value since tho date of tho valuation can ho ascertained and added. There shall be paid as compensation, in addition to the value, the follomdng SUIUS ; —lf the property exceeds .£30,000, 11 per cent; if under £30,000 and over £25,000, 5 per cent; under £25,000, 10 per cent.- Minor provisions are inserted to smooth the working of the Act generally.