E.P.S. REGULATIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 June 1942, Page 2

E.P.S. REGULATIONS

OCCUPATION OF PREMISES WELLINGTON, June 18. Substantial amendments to the Accommodation (Emergency) Regulations in respect of premises taken since March 31, unless agreement as to the terms of occupancy has alreaoy been reached, are contained m the Gazette. The scope of the principal regulations is widened to enable premises to be acquired for additional purposes. , . . . ~ Tn order to reduce administrative work, the new regulations lay down the terms of occupancy of premises, so that in general it will be necessary only to fix the rental to be paid, and this is to be done by agreement or, in default of agreement, under the provisions of the Public Works Act for settling compensation. Similarly, in the case ol chattels taken over with premises, the terms on which these are held arc set out to avoid individual agreements on this subject, and the rental or value to be paid in respect of them is to be settled by agreement or, in default of agreement, under the Public Works Act.

The jurisdiction of a Magistrate in settling claims under these regulations is enlarged to permit him to dispose of claims up to £5OO in respect of damage or injurious affection, and £2O a week by way of rental.

The terms of occupancy of premises follow, in general, the clauses usual in leases to the Crown. A special clause permits the Minister to pul] down, alter, or erect any buildings, and to give up possession without being required to restore them to their original condition. This will cover cases where improvements are made which are not capable of removal without their value being lost. The Minister is responsible for maintenance of the interior of premises, subject to the usual fair wear and tear clause, while the owner is responsible for all outgoings other than rates.

The terms of possession of chattels provide for rental payments monthly. The Minister is empowered Io alter chattels, but he must make good any damage.