CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Grey River Argus, 14 October 1922, Page 3

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPECIAL MEETING. A special meotTTig of the Greymouth Chamber of Commerce, to consider the draft of the Native Reserve Bill, was held in the Secretary’s office yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock. Air W. R. Kettle occupied the chair, and read a telegram f rom Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, relating to the Bill. Several copies of the Bill, now before Parliament, were circulated among those present. The chairman said the Bill was of no use, as it was at present constituted. Clause 3 put them in a worse po sit ion than they were at present. Mr H. W. Kitchingham said the Bill unless amended, left them worse off than they were at present.

Mr T. E. Coates said they had tried to be fair, but the Bill was an immoral one. Mr Boynton would never have dreamed of such a Bill. It meant that wealthy people could buy up the land, and charge the people what they pleased in rent. Their object was to pass a measure so that the people could own their homes. The present Bill showed the character of the Native Trustee in its true light. Air Jones said the Bill was no good in any form. Before it could bo accepted. it would have to be so altered as to be unrecognisable. Mr Naylor said they wore nearer the freehold low than they ever were. With regard to the buying of the land, they might be able to go to arbitration. The Chairman said the sub-lessees should be considered. They were all sub-lessees at one time.. Mr H. W. Kitchingham denied that they were all sub-lessees; he Had’ never been a sub-lessee. Mr Doogan said arbitration would alter the Bill. The Chairman said the question 'was whether they would throw it out, or try to improve it. Mr H. W. Kitchingham:—“The Bill should offer to the tenants land at a price, and if the price was not satisfactory, they should be able to go to arbitration. Mr Coates said finance would have to be arranged, so that the people who could not find the ready money could arrange to become their own landlords. If this wore not done, 1 I poorer people would not get a chance. Mr !•’. A. Kitchingham said Mr Coates had raised the important point of finance. If finance could not be arranged, it was no use going on. The question ol the sub-lessees had been raised. lie was afraid there was no solution to the problem. . The sublessees were foolish enough to have gone in with, their eyes open. I Mr Coates said while on the question of finance, they were the trustees of the people, and had to see that no injustice was done. A high point of honour was at, stake. Mr Gittos moved that Messrs Coates, Doogan and E. A. Kitchingham proceed to Wellington, a/ 3 •->. ueDutation from the Chamber of Commerce. ISecondedjiy Mr J. E. Williams. As Air Doogan is proceeding to Wellington on behalf of the Borough Council, Air W. R. Kettle’s name was added to the Deputation. The motion was put and carried. The Bill was then thoroughly discussed by the membnrs. and many new clauses, and alterations were suggested. It wa*s the general opinion of the members present that if the Bill could l not bo amended satisfactorily, it should be dropped. The fact of churches and schools, which are now held on a “peppercorn” rental, not being mentioned, was also discussed. The deputation was instructed to attempt to secure a. similar or a better tenure tor the churches and schools. The de- ’ putation was further instructed to attempt to secure the following amend- : men ts:— (1) The Native Trustee to offer to each tenant the freehold, at a price. Jr ,the price was not accented, the matter to be setth'd by arbitration. I (2) No land to be sold without Ilio [ consent of the lessee. (3) Finance to be arranged, and 36A years allowed in which to pay off the purchase money. I (4) If not successful in securing these amendments, then they would ask that the Bill bo dropped. .It was decided that the (reputation leave by the express this ir'“ r uing.