FARMERS AND THE FREEHOLD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3279, 26 July 1911, Page 6

FARMERS AND THE FREEHOLD.

DISCUSSION AT 1 CONFERENCE

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION..! WELLINGTON, July 25

The land question was the first subject dealt with by the Farmers’ Union Conference, which opened to-day. At the outset there was a discussion as to whether all remits on the question should he taken, or whether one comprehensive motion should not be. adopted. It was decided to substitute a motion reaffirming planks three and eight of the union’s platform, to une effect that all holders of land on lease in perpetuity tenure or perpetual lease or small grazing runs have the right xo purchase the freehold at any time after the improvement conditions have been compiled with, either by immediate cash payment or a payment extending over an indefinite time, a reduction of rent to be made in proportion to such payments; that 'Crown tenants on lease in perpetuity tenure have the right to acquire the freehold of their holding on payment hy the lessee of the original value, and payment of the difference between the 4 per cent, now charged on lease in perpetuity and 5 per cent, charged to tenants, with the right to purchase further.

A motion was carried that all Crown tenants under the renewable lease system be given the option of purchasing the unimproved value of the freehold at a price to be determined by arbitration.