AGENT OR BROKER

Evening Star, Issue 23353, 24 August 1939, Page 3

AGENT OR BROKER

Nil DUAL LICENSE AMENDMENT TO LAND TRANSFER ACT [From Our Parliamentary Reporter,] WELLINGTON, August 23. When the Land Transfer Amendment Bill was in the committee stages after its second reading in the House a protest was made by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton, against the introduction of a new’ clause which, he declared, bad not been sufficiently circulated. The clause provided restrictions on the licensing of land brokers, making it illegal for a person to hold a land broker’s license if be was the holder of a license as a land agent. Mr Hamilton contended that the change contemplated in the Bill would affect a large number of persons already in business. Apparently these people had not been given the opportunity of making representations to the Government.

In reply the Attorney-General, MiMason, gave an undertaking that an opportunity would be provided to the affected parties to make any representations they desired before the Bill reached the Upper House. He said there had not been any intention of cloaking the clause from publicity, and a course had been chosen by which the clause would receive tho greatest amount of publicity possible. The Loader of the Opposition said that, while be could agree with the principle laid down in tho clause, lie considered it was a “ bit hard ” to knock out those persons who already held licenses without giving them the opportunity of making representations concerning the effect of the Bill on their future.

Differing from tlie view expressed by bis chief, Mr Bodkin (Central Otago) said the position was not exactly ns Mr Hamilton had expressed it. The clause simply said that a person could not hold the two licenses in that fashion. It would prevent one individual from acting for two parties in a dual capacity and ensured that the parties affected by transfer of land would have the opportunity of accepting independent advice. Mr Bodkin added that the clause left it open for persons in the land transfer business to elect whether they would remain land agents or carry on as brokers, but thev could not perform both duties. Mr Broadfoot (National, Waitomo) supported his leader, saying there was much in favour of giving persons whose financial position might be affected tile opnortmi't v of stating their case. The Bill was read a third time and passed.