WEST COAST RESERVES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 81, 22 August 1912, Page 4

WEST COAST RESERVES.

THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION. By Telegraph—Own Correspondent. Wellington, Last Night. In the House this afternoon Mr. Okey asked the Native Minister whether, seeing that a number of the leases hehl under the West Coast Settlement Act, 1883, will be falling due within the next two years, and that the terms of lease provide that the leases shall bo put up ito public competition, loaded with improvements to the value of £5 per acre, and as the Act does not allow for compensation for improvements made during * further term, he will Ibring down legislation making provision for compensation for improvements made during the second term of the lease?

The Hon. Mr. Herries (Native Minister) replied: This question requires careful consideration. On the one hand, it may be urged that if the limit is removed the nativ.e beneficial owners will be prejudiced, as the surplus over £3 would otherwise be included in the unimproved value when assessing the future rent. On the other hand it may be said that by removing the -limit the lessee is encouraged to develop the land to the utmost, and will be induced to offer more for it. The matter will received the careful consideration of the Government.