THE CANTERBURY RUNS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1763, 14 July 1888, Page 3

THE CANTERBURY RUNS.

A meeting of Canterbury members took place on Wednesday morning io consider the Land Acts Amendment Bill, in so far as it affected the Canterbury runs, Mr Lance in the chair. A committee, consisting of Messrs Lance, Major Steward and Perceval, was appointed a deputation to suggest the following modifications in theßill: — , (1) To classify the pastoral lands suitable only for pasturage, not being capable of being profitably worked, in areas of 500 acres or less ; pastoral lands suitable for division into small runs or holdings not exceeding 5000 acres; and pastoral and agricultural lands, being pastoral in the principal proportion, but intermixed with lands of variable nature, but to a limited extent suitable for agricultural purposes. (2) To give the Crown, in case of pastoral lands let in blocks of 5000 acres and upwards, a right of resumption at any time during the term of twenty-one years, on giving the tenant twelve months’ notice in writing, and paving him compensation for such resumption, and any improvements effected by him, such resumption by the Crown to be subject to a resection passed by either House of Parliament declaring that the land is required for settlement or public purposes. It will be seen that the recommendations of the Committee go in the direction of affirming the desirability of giving an opportunity to those desirous of taking up small runs, and in the case of pastoral lands (which, from their nature, must be in large areas), of securing fixity of tenure to the tenant, with a right of resumption to the Crown on payment of compensation to the tenant. Thus, although the term may be fixed at the long period of twenty-one years, the right of resumption secures the land being obtainable for settlement should the necessity arise.