LAND GRANTS IN AUSTRALIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 2018, 8 July 1870, Page 4

LAND GRANTS IN AUSTRALIA

The Australasian of tile 25th ult. gives the following summary of the resolutions arrived at by the Legislative Assembly of South Australia, as the basis of the next land law of tlmt colony. "Certain unsunreyed portions of the colony are to be surveyed in bio-ks not exceeding (HO acres. These are to be thrown open for free selection, under certain condition* of residence and improvements, at liOs per acre, payable by ten yearly instalments of 2s each. Lands not selected within a specified period are to be sold by tender or auction, at an upset price of 20s, to be reduced after a time to 15s, and eventually 10s. per acre, at the expiration of two years. Kver.v male adult arriving in Soutli Australia from Great Britain and Ireland at his own cost, and settling on the land, is to be allowed credit in the payment of such laud equal to the amount he lias expended for the passage-money ot himself and familv, provided such credit docs not exceed £80." By this bill South Australia will sacrifice a great portion of its territorial revenue, but if it should succeed in doubling its population by the instrumentality of such a measure, it will gain from other sources of taxation what it proposes to surrender in this particular item." A modification of this system might advantageo.tsly be adopted iu this colony.