NATIVE LAND LEASES.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 106, 7 May 1929, Page 8

NATIVE LAND LEASES.

KING COUNTRY PROBLEM. HARDSHIPS OF LESSEES. INQUIRY BY COMMISSION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Tc KUITI, this day. The Native Land Commission's wide order of reference brought many farmers from various parts of the King C'onntry to its opening session. George Albert Stanton, farmer, of Taumanmui, in giving evidence suggested that lessees be allowed to surrender in cases where the rentals were found to be oppressively excessive and that they be allowed first refusal to take up the holding again at a reduced rental in accordance with a fresh valuation. Witness stated, as chairman of the Taumanmui County Council, he was familiar with a number of such cases. On some of the hilly sandstone country there was a recurring tri-annual cost of clearing manuka fresh growth. It was only by continual ploughing and topdressing they were able to carry on. George Crawford Miln, farmer, of Mairoa, stated he had struggled for nine years on his native lease of 647 acres of bush country. He had spent £3000 in hard cash. His rental amounted to 4/0 an acre, although a recent valuation had reduced the unimproved to 10/ an acre. He had decided to surrender the whole of his improvements to the natives, who would be able to do nothing with it. there being 40 owners. In reply to Judge MacCormick, Mr. Miln said he would be willing to carry on if his rent were reduced consistent with recent valuations. Alfred Julian and Donald Ross, both farmers of native land close to Te Kuiti, asked for a reduction of rent. The former said he was paying 3/ an acre for 600 acres and 12/ an acre for 100 acres? adjoining, which he claimed wa? .extortionate. Mr.. Eoss told the Commifision. he was paying a rental of £99 10/ per annum for an area of 50 acres. A. H. Finis explained he had freeholded 510 acres of his , native lease of 1800 acres.- The leasehold pdrtion had reached its final stage when the rental had to be fixed.,by valuation. He asked that compensation for improvements be chargeable against rent falling due. Mr. G. Elliott, for native owners, replied that no compensation was due till the expiration of the lease 21 years hence. The natives were willing to accept a fresh Government valuation. The Commission advised both parties to try and adjust their differences amicably. The Commission will continue its sessions daily. Judge -MacCormick announced the Commission's intention of personally inspecting farms under revision wherever transport was available, in/order that first hand knowledge of existing conditions might be obtained. The whole district is hopeful that beneficial results will accrue from the deliberations of this important tribunal. I