CROWN TENANTS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10652, 13 May 1895, Page 4

CROWN TENANTS.

An attempt is being made, wo understand, by some of the settlers at Cheviot to obtain a reduction in the rents they have agreed to pay for their land. This is, of course, very natural. The settlers, as wa pointed out a few days ago, have invested a largo part of their capital in improving their properties, and hare been unable, in consequence of the decline in the value of sheep, to obtain any adequate return for their outlay. But there ia no reason, wo think, why the G overnment should make a permanent reduction in the rents that wore agreed upon more than a year ago. it would, indeed, bo unjust to the unsuccessful applicants for land, as well as to tho general body of taxpayers, to do anything of the sort. Mon who were able and ready to pay the rents demanded by the Government might well complain if tho occupants of the land, from which they wero excluded by the chances of tho ballot, were nowrelieved of their obligations at the expense of the community. The settlors entered upon their engagements with their eyes open, and cannot reasonably expect the Government to bear the losses they may suffer from unfavourable markets. It is probable, however, that an arrangement might be made to afford come relief to those solvent settlers who find themselves in temporary difficulties. The Minister of Lands haa already expressed his readiness to give whatever assistance may bo possible, and we have no doubt that he would favourably consider any scheme that seemed likely to relieve the present pressure. Those settlers who think that they really have a claim upon the Government should join in making a prompt and proper representation to Mr M’Eeuzie. The Minister would certainly not ignore their petition, and he might, as we have just suggested, do something to help them in their struggle to obtain a footing upon tho laud.