CROWN TENANTS

Southland Times, Issue 21851, 31 October 1932, Page 9

CROWN TENANTS

THE SOUTHLAND ASSOCIATION. MONTHLY MEETING. At the monthly meeting of the executive committee of the Southland branch of the New Zealand Crown Tenants’ Association Mr D. J. Heenan presided over the following: Messrs T. McMath, G. P. Chewings, R. Clark, L. M. Purvey, J. Fraser, E. Nichol and R. E. Monteith. A very large amount of correspondence was dealt with and judging by the tenor of many of the letters received, considerable interest is being taken in matters pertaining to' the Crown Tenants’ Association. The latest information from the Dominion secretary conveyed the very gratifying news that their membership has been more than doubled in the last two months. It was reported that to date in Southland the following centres had been visited and sub-branches formed: At Lumsden, where Mr G. P. Chewings was the speaker; at Gorge Road where Mr R. E. Monteith spake; at Waimatua where Mr D. J. Heenan spoke; at Tuatapere where Mr L. M. Turvey was speaker; and at Glenham, where Mr T. McMath addressed the gathering. It was stated that arrangements were now in train to form subbranches at Morton Mains and Wyndham in the near future. It was decided that the executive committee be limited to 12, and that at quarterly meetings all sub-branches not represented on the executive send delegates. There was considerable discussion regarding the treatment recently meted out to a Crown tenant, where the land was re-valued after the tenant left, and let at a reduced rental to another man. Later the second man left, and now the place was advertized. It was resolved that strict inquiry into the position be made, before deciding what action (if any) the association should take. The meeting also dealt with the following resolutions:— “That we express our appreciation of the firm manner in which the Prime Minister dealt with the proposed repeal of The Commercial Trust and other kindred Acts.” “That we consider the Land Board,' as at present constituted, does not represent to the best advantage the interests of the various classes of tenants.” “That a reduction should be made in freezing charges, and that dividends in excess of 5 per cent, are unwarranted at the present time. Also that charges for handling wool be reduced.” The Lumsden remit relating to Mr Chewings’ proposed agreement was fully discussed, and the agreement amended to read as follows: All properties are to stand on their own merit that is where a man has interests outside his farm, the profits, if any, from the business are not to be placed to credit of the property.

The farmers are to keep adequate books (this is now compulsory for taxation). Where the books show that the properties have not been able to pay rates, interest, taxes etc., whereas previous to the depression they were able to do so, the arrears of rates, interest, etc. are to be cancelled (private mortgages are already doing this in some cases). When making calculations sufficient working expenses and living expenses to be allowed, so that the farm will be kept up to its full production. Where interest Jias been collected by the banks on stock and chatel securities etc., and where the mortgagee has received no interest, the interest so received by the bank is to be placed to the credit of the mortgagor in a special account to provide working capital. The interest collected by stock and station agents on stock and chattel securities etc. to come under the same heading “5.”

Interest charged on money for necessary goods supplied in the interests of production to be paid in full also all money for goods supplied as above to

be paid in full. (This is in distinction to Paragraph 9). The above to apply from 1929-30 season, each year to be taken separately. When prices stabilize a re-valuation of all land, stock, etc., to be undertaken, and the mortgages to be adjusted to the new valuations, rents also to be re-adjusted. No improvements involving capital expenditure to be undertaken without the consent of -the mortgagee. We on our part agree to do our utmost to keep up production to the present standard, and increase same if possible; to keep our properties and stock in good order, and in no way jeopardize any of our mortgagees’ securities. The secretary was instructed to call the next meeting for Thursday, November 24.