The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1911. A FOOLISH PROVISION.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCIV, Issue 14360, 4 February 1911, Page 4

The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1911. A FOOLISH PROVISION.

"Only the well-to-do need apply is tlie effect of the provision which the Canterbury Land Board has adopted in respect of the disposal by ballot of the subdivided Mackenzie runs. We shall be surprised if there is not a storm of opposition to this remarkable exclusion of those most in nee I ot land, and in fact the first low rumblings can be heard already. The Board decided, at its uniting on Thursday last, that " applicants must disclose the fact that they possess in cash seven times the amount of the annual rental of the run applied for. ' This condition, it appears to us, is subject to three great objections. It is obvious that if it is enforced the runs will only be available for men of means, as those possessed of only moderate capital would certainly not bo in a position to flourish so much ready cash. The condition, therefore,' is unjust in its exclusion. It is, secondly, unnecessary, because the Land Board takes good care that the rent shall be forth' coming by insisting on i(s_ payment in advance. And. thirdly, the provision, as a safeguard of stabili'lv. would be largely ineffective," since, even if tho applicant were able to show seven years' rent in cash to the Board, that would be no final guarantee that he would lie worth a penny piece when delivery of the run was given twelve months hence. It seems doubtful if <hc j'"?™ has power, under the legislation governing these lands, to make such a provision, but even it_ it ■has the power Ihe regulation should be modified before '"< i* <;»- forced. We note also that the Board decided to recommend tor favourable consideration the oplib'oation of one runholder to be

allowed _ to hold two of the new subdivisions in the Mackenzie Country. It seems to us that this is somewhat inconsistent with the polioy of subdivision, and with the promiso Riven to take steps for preventing aggregation. Considerable interest is being taken all over South Canterbury in the approaching sale aiid ballot of the runs, and it is important that no bungle should be caused by hastily-formed and unfair regulations.