CROWN LANDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20146, 28 June 1935, Page 5

CROWN LANDS

DEMAND FOR RENT CANNOT BE WAIVED “Probably the settlement in South Canterbury that is giving most concern to the Lands Department and Crown Tenants’ Association at the present time is that of Sherwood Downs in the Fairlie district,” said Mr T. D. Burnett, M.P., in speaking to a representative of “The Timaru Herald” last night. Mr Burnett said that, although not in his electorate, he had brought the peculiar conditions of the settlement under the notice of the Minister of Lands from time to time, and yesterday he sent the following telegram to Sir Alfred Ransom, Acting-Prime Minister and Minister of Lands: “Another half-year’s rent is now due on the much-criticised Sherwood Downs Settlement. Although not in my electorate, it so happens that I am in closer touch with the settlement than is the Hon. John Bitchener, and therefore I take upon myself the duty of urging you to withhold the collection of the rent until you and the Lands Board have a further opportunity for a close review of the whole settlement with a view to regrouping and other matters." Sir Alfred Ransom telegraphed the following reply: “I have received your telegram regarding the Sherwood Downs Settlement. It is impossible to withhold the demand for rent as it is stipulated by the Act, and such questions as regrouping of sections are much too involved to be settled at short notice. The settlers concerned should make individual application to the Lands Board for relief so far as rent is concerned, and in the meantime I shall obtain a report from the Commissioner. I shall write to you on the subject as soon as possible.”