SMALL FARM PLAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21987, 23 June 1933, Page 12

SMALL FARM PLAN

SETTLEMENT OF UNEMPLOYED REGULATIONS GAZETTED (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 22. Regulations governing the small farms scheme of land settlement for the unemployed were published in the Gazette tonight. The regulations are the first to make their appearance under the Small Farms (Relief of Unemployment) Act. Two classes of persons are qualified to receive leases of land iu accordance with the provisions of the Act. They are — (a) Persons who for the time being are registered as unemployed for the purposes of the Unemployment Act. 1930, and are eligible for relief; and (b) other persons with respect to whom the Small Farms Board is satisfied that their settlement on the land would tend to reduce unemployment and who, in the opinion of the board, are suitable for employment in rural occupations. The Minister of Lands is authorised to set aside Crown lands which are considered suitable for small farm settlement. Applications for holdings shall be forwarded to the nearest certifying officer under the Unemployment Board. The allotment of holdings will first be investigated by the commissioner of Crown lands for the district. Before disposing of the applications the commissioner, acting under the instruction of the Small Farms Board, will determine which of the applicants is most suitable to occupy the land or is most in need of it. As far as is possible he will assist applicants in acquiring suitable allotments. i. ’ Several clauses deal with the question of leases!' - The first clhsa of lease relates tp .private land acquired by arrangement with the owners. In these cases the term of the lease is to be not less than 10 years,’an'd the board is to Have the option of purchasing the fee simple of the land at any time during the currency of the lease, at a price to be: determined by 'agreement; or, failing agreement, by arbitration. This would not be necessary in the event of the price being fixed in the lease. In the event of the option 'to purchase not being exercised,” the board is to have the right to remove;all .movable improvements-effected or paid for by’ the board or by any sub-leases.'t The rental is to be paid half-yearly. The second J class of lease defines the obligations imposed on the lessee in actual occupation of a farm. The'lessee is to be liable for all rates, taxes, charges, or assessments of every' nature. He is to farm the land diligently and in a husband-like manner, and is also r responsible for the. payment of all insurance premiums in respect of all buildings ,on 'the land leased. ■ ■ > Under the Act the board, can arrange for the grant of a lease from a private owner to an approved person as lessee, : and the class of lease to be used in such cases is ;also defined. The term-ofthe lease is not to exceed 10 years. The commissioner is empowered,'to'exercise the rights of a mortgagee.