Probable Changes in Land Law

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8072, 24 August 1905, Page 7

Probable Changes in Land Law

(Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, August 23. In the House Mr Seddon gave notice to move, That the House resolve itself into a committee of the whole to deal ! with the report of the Loud Commission, and to consider and determine the following matters connected therewith so that the Bill may be. introduced this session:—That the present law permitting the lease in perpetuity be repealed, and that in respect to leasing?, land in future there be substituted in respect to rural lands a lease for noteless than 50 or more than 99 years with the right of renewal from time to time on revaluation for not less than 21 years or more than 50 years, orfailing which tenants to have a full compensation for improvements. (2) That in respect to lessees who now occupy under the lease-in-perpetuity and who have acquired land under the Land Act, 1892..whether they are to have the right to acquire the freehold of their sections at the present market value. (3) That in respect to leasees under lease-in-perpetuity under the Land Act, 1892; whether they are to have the right to acquire- the freehold of their sections at a capital value upon which they originally selected, or may the lessee change the ten-sire to occupation with right of purchase. (4) Shall the lessees under lease-in-perpetuity under the Land for Settlement Act be allowed to acquire the freehold of their sections, and if so shall it be at the present market value or at the original value. (5) That should the: right to acquire the freehold be granted under lease-in-perpetuity, the areas held shall remain as at present, and: that no alterations to boundaries be permitted, unless for cutting up into-smaller areas except by Act of Parliament. (6) It should be unlawful for any person or company owning urban or "suburban lands to the unimproved value of £50,000 to purchase and acquire the fee simple of any more.

The resolution, which ia a lengthy one, also deals with several other matters, connected with the land system of the colony.

Mr Seddon said he proposed to start the debate on the motion on Tuesday.