SUBDIVISION OF LAND

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16496, 31 July 1924, Page 9

SUBDIVISION OF LAND

KIVK I'Klt . I .XT HKSKRVATIIIS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The enforcement of the provision in the Land Act for the taking of 5' per cent, of areas under subdivision for public reserves was the subject of a deputation consisting chiefly of representatives ol public bodies in Christchurch. Mr. Bridge, representing the Dominion Institute of .Surveyors, said the land in (juestion was both town and country land, and provision for a 5 per cent, contribution to reserves was fell, to press very hard. The rule at present was that no area under four acres should ho asked to furnish a reserve. Reserves should he of some real public utility, and the Institute bad no objection to reserves being taken from large areas on subdivision. The area reserved should lie ot real benefit to the community. The speaker quoted instances of hardship on property-owners on proposed subdivisions, and asked' that a more reasonable interpretation should he given. Mr, Bcswick. representing the Cantorhurv Raw Society, Mr. Witty, M.P., Mr. McCombs, M.P., Mr. Armstrong, M.P.. and Mr. Sullivan. M.P., also spoke. The Minister, replying, said no doubt the subdivision of land in country districts was hampered by adherence to the strict letter of the law. Anything that hampered reasonable subdivision was not good for the community. He would like to say that many public bodies were protesting against any interference with the law. but probably this was in ignorance of the suggestion of a 5 per cent, monelary contribution in lieu of the land. If they could get a better system whereby subdivision would be encouraged, be was quite sure some of the pastoral land now in large areas would come into subdivision more quickly, and that was desirable. If anything were done during tile present session it should be in the general Town Planning Bill. ,