MORTGAGORS’ BILL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20513, 3 September 1936, Page 8

MORTGAGORS’ BILL

CROWN TENANTS IN AGREEMENT AMENDMENTS SUGGESTED General agreement with the main provisions of the Mortgagors and Lessees Rehabilitation Bill was expressed by members of the Dominion Crown Tenants’ Association at a special meeting held yesterday to consider the legislation, which is now before the House. Mr A. E. Kerr presided, and there were present: Messrs L. Fenwick, J. J. Gregan, J. Harris, A. G. Morrison, R. Hende son. J. Paterson, G. Gallagher, Mcllwrick, R. Yates, E. R. Goulter, T. Lysaght, Brennan and C. F. Rose. The Bill was discussed in detail and it was decided to make representations to the Minister of Finance (Hon. Walter Nash) for amendments on the following lines: Addition to Section 36: “Any Crown mortgagor or Crown lessee applicant or his agents shall be entitled to inspect his departmental file and take copies thereof or extracts therefrom for the purpose of submission of evidence to the Adjustment Commission.” Section 39 to include adequate provision for depreciation on improvements and chattels. Additional clause to Section 69: “When the Adjustment Commission has determined that the conduct of the applicant entitles him to remain in occupation but that the area of the farm is less than the area required to enable the applicant to obtain a reasonable standard of comfort for himself and family, the Court shall have full power to re-establish the applicant on any other property or make such orders as it deems just and equitable.” Price of Damaged Grain It was decided to ask the Department of Agriculture to give greater publicity to the fact that the Government will arrange for the official testing of seeds at a small cost to the farmer. Only an official test by an impartial authority can secure to the farmer the certainty of a fair price for his seed. The following remit to be forwarded to the Minister of Lands (Hon F. Langstone) was carried: “That in cases where land or improvements are destroyed by sea or river erosion or any other act of God, tenants or mortgagors shall have the right to apply for revaluation; that a clause to this effect be included in all Crown leases.”