THE LAND COMMISSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12834, 6 April 1905, Page 5

THE LAND COMMISSION.

HOW LEASEHOLD EVIDENCE IS

SECURED.

CROWN TENANTS FRIGHTENED.

A MINISTERIAL THREAT.

"ALL FREEHOLDERS AT HEART."

[NT TEI.KUBAUH.—-OWN ( OBBESI'ONTIISNT.]

Timaku, Wednesday. The Laud Commission drove round two village settlements, and visited the Smithfield Freezing Works this morning. At oao p.m. the Commission met to take evidence. Bernard E. H. Tripp, manager for the executors of the late Mr. Tripp, Orari Gorge, station, handed ill a petition to the Commissioners regarding pastoral runs. The petition pointed out that the tenures were too short, and that no adequate valuation was given for improvements. Beeauso of this the lands had gone back in pasture. Lessees would not sow grass, and towards the end of their leases they took all they could out of the runs, because they van the risk of not getting then- leases renewed. The present system of tenure was, therefore, clearly a 'bad ouo for the State. The. petitioner suggested that all pastoral tenants whose leases have not expired by January 1, 1906, should have the option to renew for 14 or 21 years from that date, at a rental to be fixed by arbitration. Mr. Tripp said the. pastoral tenants did not wish to block .he Government if the laud was required for closer settlement, what they wanted was simply valuation for improvements made in the event of the leases going from them.

Henry Knight, a. carpenter, who occupied a quarter-acre section on leasehold, said ho thought all lands (should be freehold. Tho leasehold system had not benefited tho masses at all. Ho had tried to get laud by ballot, and had failed. Many others had done the same.

Michael Joseph Corrigan, a lesase in perpetuity holder on Waikakahi, said lie would like the option of acquiring the freehold of his land. He hail nevci met a Crown tenant who was really satisfied to bo paying rout for over, and if Sir J. McKcuzio were alivo now he would sec the fallacy of Die lease in perpetuity. Ho was afraid of revaluation.

Duiiug Mr. MeLcnuan's examination of this witness, an interesting sidelight on tho manner in which evidence is secured was shown. Witness said the Crown tenants would really all bo asking for tho freehold but for tho threats that had been made. Ho mentioned a, ineoling at Windsor, at which Mr. McLeunau himself had proposed a resolution favouring the leasehold. That meeting had 'been convened by Mr. Livingstone. Mr. McLeunau interrupted the witness. He said ho had no right to give names. Witness continued that, although the Crown tenants had not actually asked for the freehold, tho great majority were in favour of it. That meeting was attended by 41 Clown tenants, and they carried a resolution in favour of the leasehold, but the chairman of that, meeting summed up the position when he said in opening that they were all freeholders at heart. That sentiment was- cheered by those present. The Crown tenants there wanted the freehold, but were frightened to ask for it, because of a threat, made by the Minister for Lands in Hansard about revaluation, and pelting their sections up to auction. Mr. MeLennan knew as well as witness that that resolution was only passed through fear. Indeed, when the chairman of the meeting said they were all freeholders at heart the convener of Die meeting said: "Now the chairman lias hit the nail on the head;'' and those present cheered. Mr. Paul Cross examined witness on this matter, but failed in any way to .shake his testimony.