SMALL FARMS ACT

Southland Times, Issue 23922, 14 September 1939, Page 4

SMALL FARMS ACT

AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, September 13. Abolition of the compulsory purchasing clause and extension from 10 to 33 years of leases granted under the Small Farms Act are provided for in the Small Farms Amendment Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Governor-General’s Message. . Explaining the Bill the Minister of Lands (the Hon. F. Langstone) said it was in accordance with promises given to the occupiers of small farms. At present the leases were for 10 years with the compulsory purchasing clause operating at the end of that tune. Occupiers found that this was not satisfactory, and. had asked for a 33-year renewable lease with no compulsion to purchase. This was incorporated in the Bill. There would be no right to freehold properties Mr Langstone added, but those who had already acquired freeholds would not be affected. The scope of the legislation was extended to include people not necessarily ■ unemployed and further provision adjusted faults in drafting clauses dealing with payments. The Bill was read a first time,