TEVIOT SETTLEMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21647, 18 May 1932, Page 7

TEVIOT SETTLEMENT

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —It will be interesting to know what the attitude of the Valuation Department will be when the question of a revaluation arises in the Teviot settlement and other settlements of a similar nature. Is it the intention of the department to devote its attention to the Crown tenants, or does it propose to extend a helping hand to the freeholder, who, in this case, is also the lessee of Crown lands? I think it must be generally conceded that in the case of Teviot the Crown tenants —that is, those who own no freehold—have a prior claim far consideration at the hands of the department. It is interesting to note that the agitation that is being carried on in this district for a revaluation is sponsored very largely by the freeholders. These people a short time ago set the pace at auction, and for the time being emulated the wizards of finance in the purchase of freehold land. They are now engaged in a brave attempt to use the Crown tenants as a stalking horse in order to retrieve their position, and thereby turn their freehold into an asset at the expense of the Crown lease. It is to be deplored that it is considered proper to carry on such an agitation. Still further is it to be regretted that it has been thought fit to delve into the private affairs of others and to single out the pastoralists of a neighbouring district for special attention, and to point out that these men enjoy special privileges in the form of large areas, long leases, and bagatelle rente. These things combined with the added favour of no agriculture or team work. In other words, they possess the ideal tussock block so dear to the heart of many of our Teviot friends,— l am, etc., Veritas. Miller’s Flat, May 17.