LAND POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22100, 2 November 1933, Page 15

LAND POLICY

| TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —Forcing up prices of goods in New Zealand, the policy of the present Government, without increasing the purchasing power of- the people, will get ua nowhere, and, unless some effort is made to arrange for increased consumption, it is going to be a most drastic time for producers as well as consumers. Surely the Government must recognise this, and, if so, why does it not do something to increase consumption? Its path of duty is clear; why will it not take it? The ridiculous position here at present regarding land values and the Government’s persistent efforts to keep the prices up show that it is not genuinely anxious to handle a scheme for recovery. Land must eventually be reduced in the valuations, and why not tackle it now? Why keep on waiting? Surely after two years of depression the Government must be ready to launch something. Here is the brief outline of a land scheme which would do something to help recovery, and. would inflict no hardsh’-> on anyone any more than that produced by the depression. 1. Revalue immediately all; land., at present-day prices, and make equitable adjustments between owner, first mortgagee. and second mortgagee in the proportion of their present holdings—all parties thus to share in the depreciation of the value. 2. All increment in the future value of land to belong to the State —i.e., anything above the new valuation. This is only fair, a 9 the country and towns increase in value according to the increase of population, railways, public works, and the community value of community services, 3. Increment on values thus collected to be used for reducing taxation’ and to go to the Consolidated Fund. * 4. Place a tax on land, say, 2J per cent., to encourage closer settlement and to reduce present taxation. , Land is the gift of the Creator and belongs to the people. 5. No interference with the title rights as present held, but no sales of land at present held to be made in future by the Government. Crown lands must not be alienated, as they belong to the people. All improvements carried out by owners or lessee to be bought in the usual way if a transfer of property to take place. 6. Every sale of land or property to be recorded by the Government, and where the price is higher than the recorded valuation the Government to retain the surplus for national purposes. Such surplus to be a charge on the deposit paid, and no transfer to take nlace until this surplus amount is paid to the Government. This is a brief outline of a land policy which would be one of the first things to put us on the road to recovery.—l am, etc.. Equity. Wellington.