GOVERNMENT'S LAND POLICY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2784, 24 July 1907, Page 24

GOVERNMENT'S LAND POLICY.

RENEWABLE LEASE & LEASE IN PERPETTJITIr

THE PURCHASE OF THE FREEHOLD.

LIMITATION OF AREA.

AMENDED BALLOT REGULATIONS.

Minor provisions are inserted to smootb the working of the act generally.

WELLINGTON, July 19. The Government's proposed land legislation was presented to Parliament to-day. The bill deals not only with Crown lands, but also with land for settlements lands. Fart I contains provisions relating to the former, and part II those concerning the latter. After the passing of the act the renewable lease takes the place of the lease in perpetuity. The renewable lease is for -a term of 66 years, with the perpetual right of renewal. This right is an extension of last year's provisions. The rental is 4 per cent, per annum. There is provision in the bill for valuation for improvements at the end of the successive terms, the fee simple and yearly rental to be fixed by arbitrators appointed by the parties. If they fail to agree, or ! if the leeeee does not accept renewal, the • Crown pays the value of the improvements. The tenant, in the case of the renewable lease or lease in perpetuity,, can pay -up to 90 per cent, of the capital value of the land comprised in his lease, when the rent will be proportionately reduced. When. so per cent, has been paid the tenant will hold; Jree of conditions other than rent, residence, and liability for commission of waste. Any amount paid over SO per cent, will be refunded on application. The moneys paid under these provisions are paid into the lands for settlements account, which pays interest to the consolidated revenue at the rate of 4 per^ cent. < The general provisions of lease in perBptuity apply to the renewable lease. Owners of leases in perpetuity may surrender their leases and obtain renewable leases. The owner of lease in perpetuity may purchase the freehold at a price equal to the capital value of the land at the time the purchase machinery is set up for giving effect to this provision, and the value of the land is determined by arbitration. On such purchase the. lease naturally determines. The limitation of area provisions apply to land purchased under this clause. In order to facilitate settlement, power is given to the board, with the consent of the Minister, to provide that for a number of years, not exceeding 10, no rent shall be payable under the renewable lease. The provisions following the above are largely machinery amendments of a comparatively non-contentious nature. In the classification of land, third class is added where a tenant is allowed to hold up to 3000 aereel A clause has been introduced whereby the Minister can consent to the holder of | a pasturage lease or license cultivating a I portion of his land to grow winter feed for stock, and also for ploughing and laying 1 down grass on an additional area not exceeding 3000 acres, and providing for such to reckon as improvement for valuation purposes at the termination of tne lease. In cases of ballot, the landless shall have preference over those who have land. The board may examine applicants, before the ballot, and the successful applicant shall be ineligible for five years after such disposal. Provisions are contained in the bill making clear the powers of executors* on the death of a lessee or licensee, so that all boards may work on a uniform plan, and any uncertainty as to procedure which may exist in the minds of the public may be removed. In connection with part 11, which deals with land for settlements lands, such lands are disposed of by way of the renewable lease. In these cases, however, the term of lease is 33 years with . perpetual right of renewal as before. The rental of the first lease is to be not less than 5 per cent, on the capital value. At the end of each term a new rental is assessed as in each ca6e of the 66 years' lease. Where land for settlements lands are disposed of they will be dieposed of by way of public tender to the highest tenderer, subject to the provisions as to minimum rental. In case of tenderers for the same amount, the successful one is determined by ballot. Regulation* are -to be drawn up laying down the procedure for the ballot. In taking land compulsorily under the act its value is assessed as on the valuation roll in force at the time when the regulation is gazetted, provided that any increase in value since the date of valuation can be ascertained and added. The owner siiall be paid as compeneation, in addition to the value, the following sums: — If the property exceeds £50,000, 2£ per cent. ; if under £50,000 and over £25,000, 5 per cent; under £25.000. 10 Der cent.