CO129-489 - Governor Sir Stubbs & Sir Clementi - 1925 [8-12] — Page 25

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The Government appear to have decided later on to adopt

a system of Crown Leases, and after certain intermediate

legislation,an Ordinance was passed in 1910, which is

still in force,and governs the whole of the New Territo-

ries. By virtue of this Ordinance and its predecessors

the Government grants leases for 75 years which contain

numerous covenants and conditions,and also a proviso for

resumption by the King for the improvement of the Colony,

or for any other public purpose.

This Ordinance was a complete infringement of the Conven-

tion since it gave the landholders only a term of years

(and that term subject to restrictive covenants and to

forfeiture for breach of covenants as well as to resump-

tion) in exchange for what was to all intents and pur-

poses a free-hold interest.

The Ordinance was carried out by means of the execution

by the Governor of Leases for entire districts,known as

block leases. These Leases contain schedules in which

are set out the names of the landholders, with particulars

of their holdings, showing in particular, whether their

land is agricultural or building land. These Leases re-

main at all times in the Government's Land Office and

are never executed by the Lessees. Moreover it is safe

to say that of the landholders who hold land by virtue

of the Leases,few have ever seen the Leases, and that

very many do not even know of their existence.

The Leases contain a provision that in the event of any

building being erected on any premises demised as (1.8.

included in the schedule as) agricultural or garden

ground, the rent is to be such a sum as is specified in

the licence to erect such building;and also contain a

covenant by the Lessee not to build without a licence

5.

from