Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 March 1887 — Lund Laws of Japan. [ARTICLE]

Lund Laws of Japan.

The leading vernacular journals of Japan agreo in regarding the recently issued regulations for the sale of land in Hokkaido os most important. A prominent purpose of these regulations is to prevent the purchase of large tracts by speculators who have no intent on of engaging in agricultural pursuits, but merely contemplate holding land with the hope of a raise in its value. To obviate such speculation the area purchasable by one person is now limited to. 100,000 stubo or about eighty acres, and it is also provided that official inspections shall bo made annually with the view of determining whether the land is being applied to the purpose announced originally by its holder, All land not thus utilized will be resumed possession of by the G overnment. In addition, the land will not become tho actual property of its cultivator until after the expiration of ten years. During that time he will have the use of it rent free, and, should his decade of experience prove attractive, the option of purchasing the fee simple for $1.20 per acre will then be given him. Thus the arrangement amounts to this—that any one intending, bona fide, to engage in agricultural pursuits, can procure the free use of eighty acres of land, with the certainty of being able to purchase it in perpetuity for $1.20 per acre. During those ten years he will be exempt from land or local taxes, but nothing is said about export taxes, which are the great incubus upon all industry in Hokkaido. —Japan Mail.