WEST COAST LEASES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 81844, 10 September 1906, Page 2

WEST COAST LEASES.

A deputation of delegates from the Partners' of Messrs •f. C. Cooper, S. Forsyth, and li. lambic, watted 011 the Native Minister on Thursday, on behalf of the settlers holding leases under the "West Coast Settlement Act. A number of these twenty-one year leases were about dua, and would he renewed upon revaluation. The settlers complained that, their improvements had been underestimated, and the unimproved value was largely overestimated. XJjey also complained that they were not allowed sullii'ient consideration on account of clearing, grassing, roads, and other improvements carried out, whilst their rents were liable to be increased in consequence of the improvements being added value, They asket} that the lands be taken under the Lands for Settlement Aet, and to be given the option to purchase, i'ho Native Minister, In the course of his reply, detailed the earlier history of the land, and referred to the understanding that had been gtveu to the natives that the laud would be imlieuablv. lie w'.ts not, therefore, in fayor of granting the option to purchase, but he appreciated what had been pointed out .'ll regard to the increase in valuation, and the points raised would be duly considered by himself and tlie Public Trustee.