Lessees Seek To Buy Sections

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31306, 28 February 1967, Page 18

Lessees Seek To Buy Sections

Forty people in the gallery heard the Lyttelton Borough Council last evening refer to its financial committee a request, signed by 47 of the 54 occupiers of land leased from the council that they be given the right to buy their sections.

Last year, the lessees protested at an Increase in their rentals. In their request to the council, the 47 lessees asked the council to sell the sections at valuation, with payment, if desired, spread over 10 years, at 6 per cent interest.

“We can’t deal with this tonight,” said Cr. R. H. Duff. “There are so many factors to be considered. Can we sell? Do we want to sell? Is the offer sufficient? What will be the effect on our financial structure?”

He moved that the request be referred to the finance committee. Cr. I. G. Henderson seconded the motion. Cr. G. C. Adams said it was natural for people to want to own their own homes. The council had known the request would be coming. The land had been given to the borough to encourage people to live at Lyttelton. He moved as an amend-

ment that the council approve the request in principle, be willing to negotiate,, and get the necessary consent or authority to sell the sections. Cr. W. S. Tredennick seconded the amendment.

The Mayor (Mr J. B. Collett) told Cr. N. D. Parratt that as he had signed the request, he could ask a question, but not otherwise take an active part in the discussion, or vote.

“Otherwise, you could find yourself like the Mayor of Petone,” said Mr Collett. The Mayor denied that the council had been holding up the scheme. The council was waiting for the request which had just come to hand.

“These sections are a heritage, and should not be disposed of without serious consideration,” Mr Collett said. The amendment was lost, and the motion was subsequently carried, both on the voices. Cr. Parratt asked that it be recorded that he could not vote.