THE LAND BILL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8491, 20 July 1907, Page 5

THE LAND BILL.

THE PROVISIONS SUMMARISED

(Per Government Memo.)

WELLINGTON, July 19. The Land Bill was presented this afternoon. The Bill deals not only with Crown Lands, but, also, with land for settlements land. Part I. contains provisions relating to the former, Part L to those concerning the latter. After the passing of the Act the renewable lease takes the place of the lease-in-perpetuity. The renewable lease is for a term of 66 years with a perpetual right of renewal. This right is an extension of last year's provisions. The rental is 4 per cent, per annum, and provision is made in the Bill for valuation of improvements at the end of successive terms of the fee simple and yearly rental by arbitrators appointed by the parties. If they fail to agree, and if the lessee does not the renewal, the Crown pays the value of improvements. The .tenant in the case of the renewable ilease or lease-in-perpetuity can pay ■up to 90 per cent, of the capital value of the land comprised in his lease when the rent will be proportionately reduced. When 50 per cent, has been paid the tenant holds the land free of conditions, other than those of rent, residence, and liability for commission of waste. Any amount paid over 50 per cent, will be refunded on application. The moneys paid under the provisions are paid into the iLand for Settlements Account, which pays interest to Consolidated Revenue at the rate of 4 per cent. The General provisions of the lease-in'perpetuity apply to renewable leases. Owners of leases-in-perpetuity may surrender their leases and obtain renewable leases. The owner of a lease-in-perpetuity may purchase the freehold at a price equal to the capital value of the land at the time of purchase. Machinery is set up for giving effect to this provision, and the value of the land is determined by arbitration. On such purchase the lease is naturally determined. The limitation of area provisions apply to lands purchased under this clause. In order to facilitate settlement power is given to the Board, with the consent of the Minister, to provide that, for a number of j'ears not exceeding ten, no rent shall be payable under the renewable lease. The provisions following the above are largely machinery amendments of a comparatively non-contentious nature. In the classification of land third-class is added, where the tenant is allowed to hold up to 3,000 acres. A clause has been introduced whereby the Minister can consent to the holder of a pasturage lease or license, cultivating a portion of his land, to grow winter feed for stock, and, also, for ploughing and laying down in grass an additional area not exceeding 3,000 acres, and providing for such to reckon as improvements for valuation purposes at the termination of the lease. Iu the cases of ballot the landless shall have preference over those who have land. The Board may examine applicants before the ballot. Successful, applicants who have disposed of their land, shall be ineligible for five yea -3 after such disposal. Provisons are contained in the Bill making clear the powers of executors on the death of the lessee or licensee, so that all Boards may work on a uniform plan and any uncertainty as to procedure, which may exist in the minds of the public, may be removed. In connection with the Part 11., which deals with land for settlements lands, such lands are disposed of by way of renewable lease. In these cases, however, the term of the lease is 33 years with perpetual right of renewal as before. The rental of the first lease to be not less than 5 per cent, on the capital value. At the end of each term the new rental is assessed, as in the case of the 66 years lease. ' Where land for settlements lands are disposed of they will be disposed of by way of public tender to the highest tenderer, subject to provieiov.s ss to minimum rental. In the case of tenderers for the same amount the successful tender is determined by ballot. Regulations are to be drawn up laying down the procedure for ballot. In taking land compulsorily under the Act, its value is assessed as on the Valuation Roll in force at the time when the requisition is gazetted. It j is also provided that any increase in value since the date of valuation can be ascertained and added. There shall be paid as compensation, in addition to the value, the following sums: —If property exceeds £50,000, • 2J per cent.; if under £50,000 and over £25,000, 5 per cent.; under £25,000, 10 per cent. Minor provisions nre inserted to smooth the working of the Act generally.