GREYMOUTH NAITVE LEASES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14686, 20 November 1909, Page 11

GREYMOUTH NAITVE LEASES

AGITATION CONTINUED,

JPer United Press Association.)

GREYMOUTH, November 18. A meeting of the Native Leases Committee was held thisveyenirig, when there was a very large attendance. The deputation that visited Wellington presented its report, and it was unanimously agreed that the committee. strive to get the wishes of. the deputation carried into effect, and that the Borough Council be asked to confirm them. There is great interest in the movement to get tho Native tenure altered in the town, and the meeting was most' enthusiastic. DELEGATION'S REPORT. (Fnou Oor Owx ConiiEsroNDEKT.) GREYMOUTH, November 19. In connection with the Greymouth Native reserve, tho delegation which recently visited Wellington, in the course of its report says: "We have to report that w-hile it is impossible to tell with certainty the outcome of the movement, we have little doubt that great good will arise from the petition, and the tenants .-will be in a much better position than formerly. The proposals framed and passed by the council were designed'with a view to meeting all shades of opinion, and amply protecting the smallest lessee in this town, including tho sub-lessees. Under these circumstances lessees will have the right to a renewal of a 66 years' lease on a four per cent, rental basis on the present unimproved valuation of their respective sections, such lease to contain a clause that the lessee may at any time convert the same into a freehold on payment of cost price, provided his or her relit to date has been As a matter of fact, with a 66 years' renewable lease on a four per cent, rental basis, very few lessees if any will be likely to wish to acquire the freehold, and we think it safe to anticipate that at the expiration of the first term of 66 years Greymouth will be able to live practically rate free out of the rents to be then derived from the present Native township."