COMPENSATION FOR THE SITTING TENANT 209 



having paid for the unexhausted improvements, the 

 tenant would go on and get the benefit of them, explains 

 that, in return for paying for the improvements, the 

 landlord would get a;higher rent not only from natural 

 causes, but from the tenant's improvements themselves. 



Mr Long thinks the absence of protection for the 

 interests of tenants remaining on the farms in a new 

 tenancy " is the greatest blot on the Act, and the 

 greatest misfortune for agriculture." 



Mr Lander states that one of the main reasons for 

 compensating the sitting tenant is, that farmers who 

 farm highly are less able to get reasonable reductions 

 of rent, and that the remaining value of the improve- 

 ments should be fully considered before the new terms 

 are settled, and a sufficient reduction of rent allowed to 

 cover the improvements. 



Mr Nunneley explains clearly that what is wanted is 

 that the tenant, when remaining in a new tenancy, 

 should have allowed to him the full remaining value, 

 just as if he were leaving ; the rent should not be raised 

 without a settlement. Where the tenant gives notice, 

 with a view to a reduction of the rent, and the land- 

 lord says "your land is worth the money in the con- 

 dition it is," the tenant can say " it is owing to my out- 

 lay,'' and should be entitled to get a fair valuation. 

 " He would then be in the position of a new comer, and 

 would pay in rent what the farm was fairly worth." 

 The landlord would of course have to pay the com- 

 pensation if he was letting to some one else, so that the 

 arrangement is absolutely fair for both sides. 



The above evidence sufficiently indicates the gravity 

 of the mischief to be provided against, and the methods 

 of such provision. 



Further, no serious objection was made in evidence ta 

 this proposal. 



Mr Rankin, speaking as a landowner, says of the 

 principle that a tenant, if he wishes to remain, should 

 have a valuation of what he did for the farm, that he 

 sees " nothing to disapprove of in it ; I think it is fair 

 and just." 



O 



