THE GOVERNMENT OFFICERS’ ALLOTMENTS.

Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist, Volume 1, Issue 7, 21 December 1842, Page 2

THE GOVERNMENT OFFICERS’ ALLOTMENTS.

As the arrangement under which the Government Officers were allowed to select and purchase allotments on arriving in the Colony, is now under the consideration of the Secretary of State, and has already been fully discussed by the local press, we deem it unnecessary to offer any comments upon it, for the present at least, and until it shall have been arranged upon the decision reported to have been come to by Lord Stanley. In one case we observe buildings, fencing, and the brick foundation for a house have been removed by the proprietor, apparently with the view of abandoning the attempt, and evidently at a very considerable loss. Under any view of the

case, a total loss and destruction of capital must be regretted. In the case in question the colony suffers exactly the same as if the amount of loss sustained had been thrown into the sea; and so much had been withdrawn from the funds by which labour is to be emploved and the resources of the country are to be increased. For capital actually expended upon the allotments, before the parties had any knowledge that the arrangement under which they were allowed to take possession of them, was disapproved by the Government at home, some compensation may not unreasonably be expected to be allowed. It was unfortunate that the doubt should have arisen just at the time when so many immigrants arrived, wanting employment. Of course, for any expenditure made with a knowledge of the Secretary of State’s disapproval, there cannot be any claim for compensation; and, consequently, the parties have been almost entirely withheld from proceeding with intended improvements. On many accounts this is also to be regretted. For those who are said to have escaped paying for their allotments, on the ground of inability to pay at the time appointed, and who now boast of their superior foresight, in being on the safe side, there can be no commiseration. When the day of reckoning arrives, they may remember the adage, “ Don't shout until you are out of the wood.*’