The Cadman-Rees Libel.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XIV, Issue 3004, 20 June 1893, Page 2

The Cadman-Rees Libel.

[PBR FKfSS ASSOCIATION.]

Napier, June 19. Expert evidence was called this morning in the Oadman-Beea libel case to show that the value of the Umutatoroa block was from £3 to £4 an acre instead of 265, the valuation placed on it by the land tax Assessor, and that, so far back as 1882, it was rated at £2 an acre unimproved value. The clerk to tho Town Board expressed the opinion that, Umutatoroa was under valued in proportion to other properties in the neighborhood, aud he had called i attention to the fact that evidence taken in Wellington was read to show that originally the block was an inalienable native reserve, but the restriction was taken offThe manager of the Union Bank gave evidence as fco the Bank's account with Messrs Cadman and Bees. Mr Cadman had paid considerable sums into the account, and he and Smith had drawn out moneys on their own account, the cheques for each being equal in amount. Native shares were purchased by cheques signed by Mr Cadman, and Smith signed cheques, but a cheque signed by Cadman would be equalled honored. B. L. Knight-, sawmiller, proved that he held a sublease of Umutatoroa from Cadman and Smith, and had paid £4302 n royalties prior to 1890, and about £600 a year since. The lease included a lot of plant. Captain Russell gave evidence as to what occurred in the last two years in Parliament in connection with native affairs, and other evidence showed that Smith was one of the attesting justices to the application for restrictions on Umutatoroa in 1888, Smith had telegraphed to the Native Minister on the subject, and Irvine, then a partner of Smith, forwarded the application to the Minister. Mr Rees was under examination when the court rose.