THE LAND BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 24 August 1907, Page 2

THE LAND BILL.

AMENDMENTS BY LANDS COMMITTEE. MORE LIBERAL PROPOSALS. Per Press Association. Wellington, August 2?. The amended Land Bill, as it leaves the Lauds Committee, was laid on the table of the House to-day. In regard to ordinary - Crown lands, modification has been made enabling holders of renewable leases, with the consent of tho Board, to remove minerals, other than gold, silver and coal, from their holdings, on the payment of royalties. The renewable lease no longer applies to land leased under modified residence conditions, and the Government is left , freo to make regulations specifying leases lor this land.

An important new clause provides that the holder of a renewable when he desires to make improvements, will bo entitled, on application to 'he Commissioner, to have particulars of the improvements placed on permanent roeord, the record to be used in asses# ing compensation. Provision is made for special flax leases, the area not to exceed 2,000 acres.

The limit of area that may be ec quired by applicants for Crown land is extended from 3000 to 5000 acres.

The clause, of which the Hon. T. Duncan has already given notice, empowering Boards to set apart areas of rural land for selection and occupation without payment, subject to conditions as to cultivation and residence, is sinbodied in the Bill. In regard to Land for Settlement lands, the 33 years' lease, with perpetual right of renewal, remains unaltered.

The clause providing for lease of Settlement Lands by public tender 'instead of ballot) has been struck out, and in substitution there is a new eb.uso to the effect that before any land is acquired under tho Act and opened for public selection, the Board may grant a Renewable Lease, without competition,to any person who has been employed on land by the late owner for at least five years. The old system of ballot, therefore, remains in force.

Land may still be taken compulsorily at an owner's valuation, plus a percentage.

The right to purchase the freehold is confined to holders of leases in perpetuity and ordinary Crown lfends ae W the Bill when introduced this session. In regard to the compulsory purchase of land under the Lands for Settlement Act, the price is proposed to be valua - tion plus 10 per cent, of values to £50,000, and 5 per cent, on any amountover £50,000. Tluh Alteration is in fnvor of owners as the original Bill provided for the adding of 10 per cent, for values below £25,000, 5 per cent, to values from £25,000 to £50,000, and 2'/, per cent, to values above £50,000.