SMALL FARMS SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21466, 13 April 1933, Page 12

SMALL FARMS SCHEME

POWERS OF THE BOARD EXPLANATION BY MR. COATES [by TELF.CItAPH —own correspondent] WELLINGTON, "Wednesday The Small Farms Board, the appointment of which was announced on Monday, has a general mandate to proceed with the settlement of approved persons on small areas of land and thereby mitigate the distress resulting from unemployment, said.the lit. Hon. J. G. Coates, Minister of Finance, to-day. Mr. Coates, who originated the small farms plan, recalled that under the legislation the board was directed to look first to suitablo Crown lands. In addition it might arrange for the acquisition of privately-owned land by way of purchase or by lease with the right of purchase. Leases were intended to be for a period of 10 years with the right of purchase after four years from the start of the lease. "With safeguards giving the owner the right of appeal to a Magistrate's Court and to the Supreme Court," the Minister added, "the board may proceed with the acquisition of land, which in its opinion is not being adequately used, for the purpose of rendering laud available for settlors. The owner of such land may be served with notice from the board, with the consent of the Minister in charge, to the effect that it is proposed to acquire the land (by purchase or lease), or to resume the land (if Crown land), or to arrange for the disposal of the land by lease to an approved person without the land being first acquired by the Government. "The grounds, on which the owner may appeal are: (1) That the land is being utilised for productive purposes to a reasonable extent; and (2) that the taking of the land would leave the owner with insufficient land for the reasonable requirements of himself and his family. "Notice is also required to be served on any mortgagees of the land, and they have the right to make objections and representations to the board. The amount to be paid for land purchased or leased may, in default of agreement, bo fixed by the board. The price at which the land may be acquired, after the first four years of the lease, is the unimproved value at'that time plus the value of the improvements at the beginning of the lease. Valuations, in default of agreement by all parties, may bo determined by the board. "It will be seen," Mr. Coates said, "that a very great responsibility and considerable powers have been entrusted to the Small Farms Board. At the same time, safeguards against injustice have been provided, and the Government is satisfied that the administration will be carried out in fairness to all and with good results."