Commune records to be investigated

Press, 29 August 1979, Page 7

Commune records to be investigated

PA Wellington Justice Department officials will investigate the Evergreen Co-operative Society’s project at Koutu, near Kaikohe, in Northland.

The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) said the Cabinet had approved an investigation into the society under tfie Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1908.

It had beer) alleged that certain records of the society were missing, he said.

Mr Muldoon said it was rare to use the 1908 act for an investigation but. the procedure was similar to one under the Companies Act.

The society, set up severiP years ago. runs a 1 6 8 h a co-operatively owned farm at Koutu.

Farming, forestry and agriculture were the main aims of the venture and 65 shareholders invested around 5250.000 iry it. Eate last .year' trouble arose between shareholders and the property managers, _\Jr and Mrs Peter Sperling, who sub-

sequently left the property. The police were once called to the farm and confiscated a .22 rifle. The police said relations had deteriorated to the point where “every time members and managers meet they exchange harsh words and blows.” - ;. The development of the. farm had apparently not gone ahead as plarined,and some shareholders were upset that after nearly two years they still had no vehicle access t<r their sections. In December some parts of the farm .were advertised for sale." ’ Irt- March this year it was reported that office records from the Northland commune had been seized by the police on the eve of their being sent; to Australia. The records were taken by the Takapuna police after information was received from some of the shareholders; It was reported ’ that there were doubts about where all the money invested in the property had gone.