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This newspaper page contains 12 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 06, 1913
Page
6
The article surveys New Zealand's land policy debates since responsible government began. It notes repeated land law changes, the issues of sale versus leasing, and the aim to prevent land monopoly. It cites 1,608,654 acres leasehold and 88,894 acres freeholded with rights to buy under specific acts.
The piece traces 1870s land policy shift in New Zealand, noting Wakefield's sale principle to fund immigration and public works. It discusses loans reducing reliance on land sales and boosting values, with some critics questioning the long term loss of public estates to private hands.
The article recounts William Rolleston's 1880s land bill proposing perpetual leases on Crown lands with rents tied to improved value and future revaluations. It notes conservative Upper House opposition seeking leaseholders’ purchase rights at prairie value and Rolleston’s argument that such moves would replicate the deferred payment system. By end of 1892, over 1.18 million acres were under the system, leaving 72,225 acres, many likely to become freeholds, before the 30-year term. The scheme was later replaced by the 1892 Land Act.
The article describes Sir John McKenzie's land policy in New Zealand, aiming to prevent large estates by state ownership with long leases. It explains the 999 year lease at fixed rent without purchase rights, known as the lease in perpetuity, as a core political strategy.
The article notes William Massey’s 1912 13 legislation as a return to Rolleston era land policy moving toward freehold with limitation. It discusses Crown lessee freehold rights, dwindling Crown estate land, and Massey’s use of compulsory purchase by the State to break up large private freeholds and dissolving re aggregations.
The record traces shifts in land tenure from 1888 to 1913. McKenzie and Ward McNab reshaped leases from perpetual to purchasable freehold, restoring or repealing provisions. By 1912 13 Crown lessees gained rights to buy freehold with conditions and exceptions for endowment or special licenses.
A correspondent attacks the Selwyn Licensing Committee over Sergeant Emerson's report on liquor sales. He argues open legalised drinking is a menace and urges future caution at race meetings in Ashburton. The letter, dated December 6 1913, defends moral grounds and calls for thoughtful consideration by officials.
An advertisement claims Warner's Safe Cure mitigates rheumatism after a chill or exposure. It cites testimonials from Mr. BD. Bedford in Ballarat and another resident in Hobart who report relief and lasting improvement after using the product. The copy notes availability from chemists and stores in original and concentrated non alcoholic forms.
The Japanese steamer Kowanto Maru reached Auckland with news of a fatal incident four days out of Newcastle. The bosun killed a sailor during a dispute over whisky after the sailor attacked him. the bosun says self defense. Police cannot arrest on high seas under Japanese flag, coroner to hold inquiry.
An advertisement urges readers to brace against spring colds using Baxter's Lung Preserver sold by local storekeepers. It promises not only to cure colds but also to strengthen the system. Price cited is 1 shilling 10 pence per bottle.
W Page announces the second shipment of tweeds and worsteds for the season by MASSEY HARRIS Co. Ltd. The public is invited to inspect. Garments are cut by a certificated London cutter and made up by workers. suits are hand finished by tailors, not by machine.
Freasons urges customers to visit The Arcade Clothing Co for value in men’s clothing and accessories. The store showcases a large stock of ready to wear box suits in latest patterns and notes Christmas suit orders are still being booked.
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