PREMISES ACQUIRED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 144, 20 June 1942, Page 6

PREMISES ACQUIRED

EMERGENCY REGULATIONS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Friday. Substantial amendments to the Accommodation Emergency Regulations in respect of premises taken since March 31, unless agreement as to the terms of occupancy has already been reached, are contained in the Gazette. The scope of the principal regulations is widened to enable premises to be acquired for additional purposes.

In order to reduce administrative work, the new regulations lay down the terms of occupancy of premises so that, in gener?.!, it will be necessary only to fix the rent to be paid and this is to be done by agreement, or, in default of agreement, under the provisions of the Public Works Act for settling compensation.

Similarly, in the case of chattels taken over with premises, the terms on which these are held are set out to avoid individual agreements on this subject and the rent or value to be paid in respect of them is to be settled by agreement or, in default of agreement, under the Public Works Act.

The jurisdiction of a magistrate in settling claims under these regulations is enlarged to permit him to dispose of claims up to £500 in respect of damage or injurious affection and £20 weekly by way of rental. The terms of occupancy of premises follow in general clauses usual in leases to the Crcwn.

A special clause permits the Minister to pull down, alter, or erect any buildings and give up possession without being required to restore them to their original condition. This will cover cases where improvements are made which are not capable of removal without their value being lost.

The Minister is responsible for the maintenance of the interior of premises, subject to the usual fair wear and tear clause, while the owner is responsible for all outgoings other than rates.

The terms of possession of chattels provide for rental payments monthly. The Minister is empowered to alter the chattels, but must make good any damage.