SELECTORS IN ARREAR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1318, 3 June 1897, Page 7

SELECTORS IN ARREAR.

The question of forfeiting the sections of selectors who were in arrears was discussed by the Land Board at somo length on Thursday. A settler who had been repeatedly warned and finally bad his section forfeited for neglecting to pay his arrears of rent, wrote protesting against the forfeiture on the ground that he was an old soldier, had fought for the Colonial Government, had spent money on his small section, and—most cogent of all reasons —was unable to pay his arrears without an extension of* time. He offered to pay about half of what wa3 due if the resolution of forfeiture was rescinded.

Mr A. W, Hogg, M.H.R., characterised the forfeiture of the section as an act of oppression, which, he said, reminded him of the Irish eviction cases. He pointed out that it was never intended that these people should be turned out as soon as they fell behind with their payments. He had not the slightest doubt that this man, like many others who had settled in that district (the Forty-mile Bush), had been told that ho would get employment eight months in the year, when, as a matter of fact, they were getting less than four. ° He personally knew of hundreds of men who were in that position, and were compelled to pay very heavy rents. He, for one, would protest against any forfeiture in future if the Board was going to oppress those men in that way. Mr Hogg then read a letter from Mr O’Meara, in which the writer stated that some of the holdings were far too small for the men to make a living from. Mr H A. Field, M.H.R., said. the Board simply had to carry out the law. The other members of the Board were as earnest as Mr Hogg in their endeavours to assist the bush settlor, but the Board, having given notice of forfeiture, should not cancel the resolution until the money was paid.

Mr Hogg said the Crown would not suffer by allowing time to these men. Their land was becoming more valuable every day, and they would ultimately be able to pay their way. Mr Field thought the Board should be allowed a great deal more discretionary power than it had at present, and be able to relax the law, and administer it in a relaxed form when necessary. Mr J. W. A. Marchant (Commissioner) pointed out that if they allowed these men to remain in possession without paying anything a time would come when they would not be able to get in any rent at all.

Afler a little further desultory discussion Lhe matter was dropped.