LAND SALES DELAYS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26176, 12 June 1946, Page 4

LAND SALES DELAYS

Admirable though its original intention may ljave been, the Land Sales Act in its* operations leaves much to be desired. The history of real estate dealings after the Great War is still remembered by many with bitterness. It was therefore conceived as part of the post-war provisions for rehabilitation that measures, should be taken to prevent a repetition of speculative inflation of values. Unfortunately, however, the difficulties of practical administration have proved to be such that the degree of success which has attended these endeavours has fallen far short of what was anticipated. A striking illustration of one aspect of this failure has been revealed in our news columns in the delays which are experienced in the hearing of appeals. The fact of the matter locally is that the last sitting of the Land Sales Court was held in December, 1945, and although there are cases waiting to be heard, there is no information available concerning the date of the next sitting. Further, the only judge who appears to be available for such duties has primary responsibilities to discharge as a-judge of the Court of Arbitration. Such a state of affairs is far from satisfactory. Transactions have already been delayed for periods of month's, causing inconvenience and actual financial loss to the parties concerned. The position is particularly to be deplored in cases in which the property concerned is a farm, since there is every prospect that delays will mean that the whole of a season’s production will be lost. This district has already had an experience of the difficulties which are caused by tlje failure of the authorities to make necessary appointments. Such an instance was provided towards the end of last year when a member retired from the local Land Sales Committee and some months elapsed before the position was filled. It is difficult to comprehend the official attitude which sets up an administrative machine and then prevents it from operating efficiently. Without going further into the deficiencies which have been revealed in the workings of the Act, it would seem clear that there should be an overhaul of the administration, but in the meantime it is essential that there should be some provision made for the hearing of appeals within a reasonable period.