BACKWARD LANDS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 September 1924, Page 5

BACKWARD LANDS

PROBLEM FOR DECISION.

(By Telegraph.—Special to the Star.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 17. The long process of considering the Consolidated Land Bill in committee was undertaken by the House of Representatives to-night when an important question relating to certain classes of small grazing runs was raised in an amendment by the member for Waimarino- that the six-year period within which the lessee may secure a revaluation be made, indefinite.

Mr. Corrigan (Patea), in supporting the proposal, referred to the enormous area in the hinterland of the North Island between the Wanganui River and Kawhia which is going back. He hoped that the Minister as a practical man would visit the area, when he would realise the necessity of dealing with the problem. Mr. McLeod (Minister of Lands) said that he agreed with the principle behind the amendment, but unfortunately there was a good deal of land in New Zealand which was going back, and a decision would have to be made as to how to deal with it. The best way would be to define certain districts, but he would not care to have a general amendment.

Mr. Langstone, accepting the Minister’s assurance allowed the amendment to be rejected on the voices, and the whole Bill passed through committee without amendment.