PLAN TO SELL LAND CRITICISED

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32567, 29 March 1971, Page 2

PLAN TO SELL LAND CRITICISED

(New Zealand Pr«„ A««ociatlon) WELLINGTON, March 28. The reported intention of Takaro Properties to sell sections of its estate in the Te Anau area has been criticised by the president of the Labour Party (Mr W. E. Rowling, M.P.).

Speaking at Palmerston North, Mr Rowling said that the sale of the land would breach the spirit of New Zealand land transactions. “The Government is responsible for a very serious inroad into the inherent right of every New Zealander to own or otherwise use the land of his country,” Mr Rowling said. "This was originally Crown land and part of a block valued at $5O an acre. It was sold to an American millionaire for $lB an acre. The area itself contains some of the most beautiful bush scenery in New Zealand, yet it is only those who can afford to pay $B5 a day to stay at the newly-established luxury lodge, who are able to see it, Mr Rowling said. “The land was sold, ostensibly in the public interest, to enable a tourist resort to be established and so provide some sort of annual flow of foreign exchange. "Now we find, however, the owner is going into the real estate business, and proposes to subdivide and sell part of what was once Crown land to those who can afford to pay for it. It will be interesting to see if the price is $lB an acre, and in what currency the purchase price has to be paid. “This move, along with others announced recently, is most disturbing. There continues to be an erosion of our natural heritage and the

Government must immediately act to reverse this trend," said Mr Rowling.