Settlers Should Be Honest Triers

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 182, 22 October 1927, Page 9

Settlers Should Be Honest Triers

GOVERNMENTS POLICY REVALUATION OF LANDS (THE SCAT'S Parliamentary Kcport > WELLINGTON, Frid t> . In return for its efforts to Help men on the land, the Government expects an honest endeavour on the part of settlers to assist themselves and meet obligations to the Crown up to the earning capacity of the land. This was mentioned in the House of Representatives to-night, wher the Land Laws Amendment Bill was sent through the third reading stage. In moving the third reading o the Bill, the Hon. A. D. McLeod. Minister of Linds, impressed upon the House that applications for revaluation under the provisions of this Bill would not be considered by the board immediately, but might require some time. Only careful investigation by practical men could justify any action in cases of this sort. There might be a certain amount of discontent among settlers, but the interests of taxpayers, as well as of the settlers themselves, had to be safeguarded. Bo far as soldier settlers were concerned an unfortunate viewpoint was adopted by large number, who. upon failing to secure immediate revaluation, had refused tjo pay their rent or to meet their obligations in any way. lie believed land always possessed certain value, and if soldiers would pay up t«* its earning capacity the department would know they were trying. The Government was out to place on a better basis, and in turn the Government expected honest endeavour on the part of the settlers themselves to make good and to meet liabilities. After a short debate on the merits of the Government's land policy the Bill was passed through the final stages.