BALLOT FOR LANDS. TO THE LANDS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 144, 19 June 1909, Page 9

BALLOT FOR LANDS. TO THE LANDS.

Sir, — Adverse criticism of the Government's lands for settlement polioy is assuming considerable proportions throughout the Dominion, but what should bo considered a vital feature in this criticism is the iniquity of introducing the gambling element into this question by means of < the ballot. I know of men who have been interested in no less than fifteen separate ballots without ft- shadow of success Leaving out the lots of time in inspecting the blocks, the expense is a serious* question, probably costing this man over £50, und leaving him utterly hopeless and disgusted Now, it seems to me a very simple remedy can be found for this state of affairs. If the lands to be offered on the cash sale or o.r.p. tenure were valued and assessed on the same basis as at present for purchase or rental purposes, applications could bo invited, and applicants to be examined by the Land Commissionei on the same lines as now enforced. If more than one application wab made lor the same section, the same to be put up to auction at an upset ptice, and only thote whom the commissioner considered eligible and who have made application for the section be allowed to compete; any sum realised aboyo upset prices to be added to the capital valfie, and to be paid on completion of purchase, but noe having: any claim to increased interest or rental above the. upset fixed, the ?um*realiGed co be considered in the f=hap© of a bonus on value of sections. My this means the settler would not be hampered with increased reno or interest, and at the end of a term of years he would not be in any way harshly dealt with in having to pay a Bmafl increase in the purchase money. Konuwable lease lands could be dealt with in th« samo manner by capitalismg 1 th» sum realised and giving exemptions from increased rentals for- a term of ten years ; the lesseo to then have the option of paying a lump sum in cash or a slight increase in the rental value. By this system the man that had been at tho expense of inspecting, and who wanted the land, could get it, whilst the State would also benefit to ft small extent through the transaction. —I wn, etc.! LANDSEEKER.' i