WAR LEGISLATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 762, 20 July 1916, Page 2

WAR LEGISLATION.

OF RENT. TEACHERS AND POLICE. AN "ALL-SORTS" BILL. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] WELLINGTON, July 19. The War Legislation Amendment Rill (the Rt. Hon. Mr Masscy) was introduced in the House of Representatives last night. It deals with all sorts of matters relating to affairs of the hour.

The most important provision in the Rill is the first part, which provides for the restriction of the increase of rent during the war period, and (as explained by the Hon. Mr Herdman). incorporates the enactment by the British Parliament. "Standard" rent is defined as the rent at which a idwelling-house was let on the third day of August, 1914, or the rent at which it was hist let before that date, or, in the case of a dwelling first let after that date, the rent at which it was first let. This provision applies to a house or any part of a house let as a separate dwelling where letting does not include any land other than the site of Ihe dwelling-house and a garden or other premises in connection therewith, and where the annual amount of the "standard" rent of the house or part of it does not exceed £lO4 per annum. It is provided that this part of the Act shall not apply to a dwelling-house let at a rent which includes payments, in respect of board, attendance, or use of furniture. It is provided, that, where the rent of a dwelling to which the Act applies has since the commencement of the war increased above the standard rent, the amount in excess of the standard shall, notwithstanding any agreement to the contrary, be irrecoverable. This provision does not apply to any rent which accrued before Ihe Act comes, into force. Where the landlord has since the commencement of the war incurred expenditure on structural alteration or improvement, of a dwelling (not including expenditure or. depreciation-of- repairs) an increase of 8 per cent, on the amount so expended shall not be deemed to be an increase. Anv

transfer to a tenant of any burden or liability previously borne by the landlord shall be treated as an .alteration or rent, and where, as the result of such a transfer, Ihe terms on which a dwelling-house is held are, on the whole, less favourable to the tenant than the previous terms, the re lit shall be deemed to be increased, whether or not the sum periodically payable by way of rent is increased. Any increase of rent in respect of any transfer to a landlord of any burden or liability previously borne by the tenant, where as the result of such transfer the terms on winch a dwelling-house is held are on the whole not less fav-* + ourable to the tenant than the previous terms, shall he deemed not to be an increase of rent. If any question arises under this sub-section it shall be determined by a Stipendiary \ Magistrate, whose decision shall be | final and conclusive. Where the landlord pays the rates chargeable on the occupier of any dwellinghouse, an increase of the rent of the dwelling-house shall not be deemed to be an increase if the amount of increase does not Exceed any increase in the amount for the time being payable by the landlord in respect of such rates over the corresponding amount paid in respect of the yearly, half-yearly, or other period which included the third day of August, 1914. It is provided that the landlord must give 28 days' notice Of intention to increase the rent, accompanied by a statement of improvements or alterations and their cost, and particulars of the increased amount charged in respect of ! rales. Where notice has been given | to any tenant the increase may be

continued without fresh notice to subsequent tenants. No tine or premium is to be chargeable in respect •Of a renewal of tenancy. There is a modification of the law as to orders for recovery of possession of dwellings. No order for recovery of possession or for ejectment shall be made so long as the ienant pays the rent at the agreed rate, as modified by the Act, and performs the other conditions of the tenancy, except on the ground that the tenant has failed to lake reasonable care of the premises, or has committed waste, or has been guilty of conduct which is a nuisance or an annoyance to the neighbourhood. Tbis part of the Act is to remain in force during the war with Germany and for six months thereafter. SOLDIERS AND LAND.

The Bill contains provision authorising agents to apply for land on behalf of members of the Expeditionary Force who were, prior to the operation of the Act, bona lide residents of New Zealand. This includes power to acquire at auction a lease or license of any land. The age limit of applicants for land is not to apply in cases where applicants have been engaged in military service. Power is sought for the Minister of Lands to postpone dates of payment of instalments of principal and interest by licensees of Crown Land who are members of the Expeditionary Force. TEMPORARY TEACHERS.

Provision is made for the appointment of temporary teachers during the period of the war, whether such teachers are certificated or not. Mr Herdman mentioned that owing to the number of teachers who had enlisted the Minister of. Education found it necessary to make this provision. Such appointments will be terminable by one month's notice in writing from each side, and no appointment shall continue for more than 12 months after the termination of the war. Any person holding a teacher's certificate who is appointed temporarily shall, if he continue in service for more than three months, be entitled to become a contributor to the teachers' superannuation fund. II is provided that the Minister of Education may make -'temporary modification of the provisions as to the stalling of the public schools. In the event of reduction the Minister may authorise additional remuneration to (he stall'for additional duties. SUPERANNUATION FUNDS. I'lie measure also provides for the restoration of rights to superannuation of any person who has retired from Government or education service for the purpose of enlisting. POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTIONS. There is provision for the postponement for a year of elections of members of .local bodies whose, election lakes place before August 1, 1017. ;. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. Owing to the increased cost of fencing wire, the Rill contains a provision for a modification of the •charges relating to the half cost of fencing Crown Land, the sum to be fixed by the Governor by Order-in-Council. It is provided that the electoral rights of members of Parliament will be protected during their absence on active service, and that their honorarium will be paid. In any case Where a soldier on active service out of New Zealand claims to be the father of an illegitimate child, a declaration shall be deemed suflicient compliance with the Registration Act. The Rill validates the expenses incurred by local authorities in connection with recruiting. Provision is made for the extension of the term of the indentures of apprenticeship in cases where apprentices become members of the Expeditionary Fores. Protection is to be given to mining privileges while the holders arc on active service. There is«a provision for the appointment of temporary members of the Police Force, the appointments not to be for more than 12 months after the war. Mr Herdman said that as they could not ask single men to join the Police Force, it was necessary to

make provision for the temporary appointment, in different grades, of married men. The question oT appointing Cornell police must stand I over. In the meantime he was obj tabling information on the subject from the Old Country. Provision is also made respecting soldiers' wills. The Bill was read a first lime.