DETERIORATED LANDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 247, 18 October 1926, Page 11

DETERIORATED LANDS.

MONETARY ASSISTANCE. THE DEPARTMENT'S POLICY. (By Tele&rapn.—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sunday. Reports from special committees set up under the Deteriorated Lands Act were now coming to hand, 6aid the I Minister of Lands (the Hon. A. D. McLeod) to-day. They were being dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Tbe action to be taken on the receipt of committees' reports depended on the nature of the recommendations made. "For instance, if a committee recommends a reduction in capital value with consequent reduction in rent or tbe re-classification of the land, the Land Boards have full power under the Act to carry the recommendations into effect," continued the Minister. "If, however, recommendations are made for advances, remissions, or postponement, the Minister's approval is required. Up to the present 56 applications have been dealt with under the headings of advances, remissions, or postponements. These comprise all the recommendations received. Advances amounting to £6100 have been authorised to 35 settlers. while rents aggregating £1400 have been remitted and £138 has been postponed for long periods. "The major portion of the money authorised for advances is for topdressing and fencing and will be expended under supervision. The Act provides that, except with the approval of the Minister, all advances shall be secured by first mortgage on the land. A difficulty arises in this connection in regard to lands subject to State Advances mortgages, as the State Advances Act also provides for a first mortgage. The policy adopted in such cases is to approve of advances under the Deteriorated Lands Act and make the security after the State Advances mortgage where there is an equity in the property over and above the existing charge. Where there is no equity and where the cover for the State Advances mortgage, according to the valuation of the committee, is doubtful, the matter is taken up with the State Advances Department. "With the approach of summer." concluded Mr. MoLeod, "it is hoped the committees will be able to expedite their field work. Their reports will be dealt • with from timo to time as they are 1 received."