FREEHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27210, 30 November 1953, Page 2

FREEHOLDERS’ RIGHTS

Sir,—ln reply to "British Justice” and “Freedom,” being one of those whose freehold land is being taken by force I would like to say th*t it Is quite useless to write to Mr Goosman or the Prime Minister or anyone else. I have letters from both of these gentlemen, in which they state they Cannot do anything about the taking of my land, and, incidentally, my living, from me. I have been served with a summons from the City Council for P° s ‘ session of my. land* and am informed that; I have no right, title or licence to the said land. To date, I have not yet received one penny for the land. Horse-training, racing and breeding are my business, If, through the council taking my land, I am forced to sell all my horses, the Government can claim a big percentage of the money. Without adequate compensation, how am I to purchase another property to carry on my business? As I am signing my name to this letter, I would be pleased to see Mr Goosman’s reply. —Yours, etc., C. RUSHTON. November 19, 1953, [The Minister of Works (Mr W. S. Goosman) made this reply: “Mr Rushton’s land was taken by the Christchurch City Council in 1930 under powers conferred on the council by the Public Works Act, 1928. The council complied with the statutory provisions of the act and is acting in the public interest in acquiring the land. Mr Bushton’s claim for compensation is, therefore, against the City Council and not against the Government; and the other matters to which he refers are also not within my jurisdiction. Mr Rushton has the right to have the compensation assessed by the Land Valuation Court if he is not satisfied with the council’s offer. Some time ago I suggested that the best course would be for him to be guided by his solicitor in connexion with his claim against the council. It lies in his own hands to bring his claim to finality and thus receive payment.”]