LAND SALES ACT

Waikato Independent, Volume XLIII, Issue 6036, 23 October 1946, Page 7

LAND SALES ACT

MODIFICATIONS PROPOSED

NATIONAL PARTY'S ATTITUDE

The National Party's intention to continue to operate the Land Sales Act, but with substantial modifications, was announced by Mr S. G. Holland in his opening election speech on Monday night. Some control must continue, he said, until the present inflation was overcome, but in addition to the December, 1942 valuation, some consideration must be given to today's value, based on the cost of replacement. "It is safe to say that "no other legislation has forced so many people into unlawful transactions," said Mr Holland. "It has been estimated that in about 80 per cent, of all transactions the law is defied and money is passed 'under the table.' This is clear proof that the Act is unjust." If the National Party were elected it would allow properties to be sold at today's replacement cost. In the case of civilian transactions the difference between December, 1942, value and the present replacement cost, less depreciation, should be borne by the purchaser, but where an ex-service-man was the purchaser, since he would not have benefitted from the inflationary conditions which had prevailed in New Zealand during the war years, the difference between December, 1942, value and to-day's value should be borne by the Government, and thus be spread over the community as a whole. The provisions in the Act for the compulsory acquisition of land would be cancelled, as the provisions of the Land for Settlement Act, Public Works Act, and Small Farms Act gave adequate power to do what was necessary. The National Party would simplify the procedure and reduce the cost of land transactions, and remove the tribunals from political • influence, "There will be no more Lewis cases," concluded Mr Holland.