PASTORAL CROWN TENANTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13136, 21 November 1904, Page 3 (Supplement)

PASTORAL CROWN TENANTS.

(Fkosi Oun Ovra Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, November 2.

The Lands Committee of the House of Representatives to-day reported on the petition of certain pastoral tenants of tho Crown, who asked tor relief on account of losses of stock through tho snowstorms of 1903 and other causes. Tho committee rccominoudod that (he petition be referred to the Government.

Tho Lands Committee also reported on the petition of C. Dalgcty and others, of Otago and Canterbury, Petitioners prayed for the passing of a measure similar to "Tho Pastoral Tenants' Relief Aet, 1695," on account of losses of from unprecedented falls of snow. The Chairman reported that the commillee has inquired into statements contained in the petition, and has takon evidence thereon, whicli it now reports to the House. It finds that on the date mentioned there was a severe snowstorm, which resulted in a heavy loss of stock iii certain parts of Otago and Canterbury. The evidence, however, sliows that, apart from the storm in question, a uumber of pauses have contributed to tho serious reduction that of late years is said to have occurred in the stock-carrying capacity of certain pastoral runs, and that the managers of these properties believe an extension of existing leases, with better security for improvements, would encourage and facilitate the adoption of remedial measures. It is contended that the terms and conditions under which the land is held are of such a nature as to discourage, if not prevent, steps being taken that would secure stock against exceptional stress of weather and improve (he value of the pastures. Tim conclusion seems therefore unavoidable that, owing In the reluctance of these rutiholders to invest sufficient capital on improvements, for which they might not be fully recouped when their leases terminate, the properties are not efficiently worked. The concession applied for does not appear to be sn much a remission of rent, as an extension of the term of the (eases and incrrottl compensation for improvements at the end of the term. Opposed 1.0 such a concession is the policy of laud settlement. Numerously - signed memorials indicate, that if the larger runs that are suitable for Ihe purpose were subdivided into moderate-sized holdings; they would lie eagerly taken up ami made much more productive than at present. The question must therefore be determined whether, in the interests of the State, it is desirable that the sufferers by the snowstorm referred to in the petition should receive an extension of the term of their leases or increased security of tenure as compensation for their losses, or if their leasts should bo allowed to expire in due course, to that the State may be free to give cffcct, where it is considered necessary, to the demand for subdivision and closer settlement. Your committee, after weighing carefully the evidence, and taking the circumstances surrounding tho prayer of the petitioners into consideration, does not feel justified in recommending legislation that may have the effect of locking un land that is being improved with public works from an influx of settlers. While expressing sympathy with the petitioners on account of the losses they have sustained, it is unable to recommend any special form of relief l>cyond what, may be allowed if the powers of the Land Hoards are extended. It recommends that the boards be asked lo formulate a scheme that will liavo the effect of giving them more power to doal with tho land upon such terms as they think advisable in tho interests of the State and the oceupiers, but that such provision should be subject to the approval of tho Minister of Lands. After discussion tho report was referred to the Government for consideration.