The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1933. CROWN LEASES.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1933. CROWN LEASES.

Hkcently the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Lands, issued a statement 'defining the policy cf the Government in regard to claims from Crown ton* ants for ii«.rate>ioiis of rent or interest which confirms the impression that there i« a widespread flomand for vho ialicoriminat<( ■ \vrfting down of these debts. TliorO have been cases where lessees have tried to dictate terms, ojyering to pay 60 much if the balance is remitted, and where they have palp private' interest evidently under the impression that in no cir(.,amstanccis will the Crown exercise its rights. With remissions amounting since April ], 1932, to £373,01)0, in addition to postponements involving £303,000, it is not surprising that tiler© has been a- fairly general clam our for concessions. But it cannot be too strongly emphasiwl !i, oommeufcs a northern writer, that permanent easements cannot be granted because of temporary circumstances, no matter how difficult they may be This was the first question in regard to land administration dealt with by tlie Nation;)! Expenditure Commission. The capital sum of £7,000,000 was written off discharged soldiers’ securities, but where loan money is involved permanent reduction of mortgages on this scale cannot be contemplated. In the opinion of the commission, relief should not extend further than remitting rent or interest which in normal times did not constitute' an excessive burden. . The Min-ister’-s statement is in conformity so far with the recommendation of the

commission, but there is a further suggestion about which, the Government

has not expressed nh opinion. That was the sotting up of one controlling bnjai'J. - ; Th.» ' jjuLiilisiion stated »tlmt the Lands DopdiTemut was now largely & financial Institution controlling assets valued at £47,000,000, of...which £3&,7*64, r <oo wn.fi ht rested capital and affirmed; “It would he an advantage to the Government to hove a strong board to which could be delegated the duty of carrying cut th.pi Government land policy, which should he dictated by well-defined principles and removed entirely from the influence of political expediency.”