VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4312, 6 January 1893, Page 3

VILLAGE SETTLEMENTS.

Somo important amendments hare beon mado in tlw Viotorian Village Settlements Bill wliilo passing through its final stages in the Legislative Council. These were proposed by Sir P. T. Sai'sood, and were based upon tho provisions of tho law of New Zealand regulating settlements of this nature. Part 11. deals with Farm Homesteads. Special Settlement Associations, regulations for which are to be made by the Governor in Council, and become when gazotted as binding us any of the provisions of the Bill. Any association of • not less than twelve persons may apply fur a block lof land containing not less than 1000 acres nor more than 10,000 acres, inclusivo of roadu, townships, and other reserves. No individual settler is to hold more than 200 acres, The rent is fixed at o % on the capital valuo, and no payment of rent is to be required for two years. Settlors must resido on their allotments. Tho Secretary's certificate will be sufficient evidence of membership of the Association. Within two years one»t»nth of the land must be cultivated. Substantial improvements of a perma nent character must bo put upon the land to tho valuo of one pound for evory aero of the holding. Tho rights and intorests of a settler may bo transferred or demised. Certain restrictions are imposed as to the ago at which settlers can take up land, which may bocotne forfeited and sold in default of compliance with tho Act, Leases become void if it bo proYod that any settler traffics in spiritu»us liquors, An annual report of the proceedings of each settlement is to bo presented to Parliament,