Stricter Trespass Law

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 36

Stricter Trespass Law

(NX. Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 12. Legislation extending extensively the law relating to trespass on private land, as a criminal offence, was introduced in Parliament today by the Minister of Justice (Mr Hanan). Mr Hanan told members that the Government had received many representations over the years on this subject and there was ample evidence that a tightening of the law was necessary. “There is evidence that it

is necessary to give greater protection to farmers and land owners against trespassers,” he said. Mr Hanan said the bill increased to $2OO the fine to which a trespasser was liable, after being warned off the land by the owner. A “warning off’ by the owner or occupier of the land was to have effect not only on the occasions on which it was made but for six months afterwards. The Minister explained that at present a person who had been “warned off” could return the next day and trespass with impunity. The bill would make it an offence to go on to private land with or without a dog or a gun and disturb stock. It would also be an offence

to discharge a firearm on or across private land from any place, vehicle or aircraft This was a very comprehensive clause, said Mr Hanan. The bill enabled the court to cancel any firearms permit where a trespasser was carrying a firearm on private land.

Mr W. E. Rowling (Lab., Buller) asked Mr Hanan to define what was meant in the bill by a “warning” to a trespasser. Common Law

The Minister replied; “As I understand it a warning notice on private land means nothing in law. The warning given would have to be specific and actual by the occupier of the land to the trespasser.” Mr Hanan assured Labour members that the common law right of all citizens to cross private land—which had long been recognised as a fundamental right—would not be affected by this bill.