DISTRICT LANDS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1424, 26 April 1912, Page 3

DISTRICT LANDS.

BOARD MEETING. A special meeting of tho Land Board was,held .yesterday. There were present: Messrs. J. Mackenzie (Commissioner), J. Dawson, 11. T. Ellingham, Jas. Gcorgetti, Win. M'Lennan. TRANSFER QUESTS. The following transfers were approved, on tho usual conditions:—LP 123. lIX Hautnpu, 202 a., J. A. Green, J. L. Mason; Mis. L. 69 IC, XVI Levin Township, 2a. 2r., H. Whittaker, N. S. Tanfield, VELI' 1043 50 I, Mangaoiie, 37a. Or. 26p., .T. Smith, S. C. Pratt; VHSS 2 It XVITJ, Mnngahno, lia. Or. Op., J. Smith, Mrs. A. It. Reichcnbach. Subject to conversion to lease in perpetuity. _ Mr. J. T. Smart applied to transfer i, Vll I, Huangarua, Mahupuku Settlement, 341 acres, to Mr. J. McCarthy, and il was resolved to approve, subject to tho ranger being satisfied that the exchange wa.s equitable. Mr. R. Roberts applied to transfer Sections 5 and 14a,' Piiketoi, 213 a. 2r. to Mrs. Margaret Madeline Williams, and it was resolved to postpone the application for iurther inquiry. ',_ Mr. D. P. Bradlev applied to transfer section. 1, Block V, Maungakaretu, to -Mr. Thomas Bradley, and it was. resolved to approve on the usual conditions, and subject to Mr. Thomas Bradley residing on the land for the period "referred to in the resolution of March' 28. Mr. Samuel Smith applied to transfer Sections 33, Part 1 of 35, and Part" 2 of Section 33; Block VII, Tararua, 401 acres, Ito Mr. James Cullinaii. Tho application was refused. ' ' M. J. Smith applied to transfer hechon 49, Block I, Mangaone, Huanui V.S., 3Ta. Or. 26p.,' to Mr. T.'A. Pratt. The Commissioner pointed out that the improvements were slightly in nrrear, and it was resolved to approve; provided the ranger was satisfied the improvements were sufficient, and Mr. Pratt went into residence at once. C. M'Davitt applied to transfer Section 4, Block IV, Piiketoi, 200 acres, to Mrs. W. G. lies. Tho application was granted, the Commissioner dissenting. Mr. Spence Black attended with referonce to the completion of the. transfer of Mrs. O. Hogg's interest in Section 83, Block VIII, Belmont, Normandale Settlement, which was approved by the board in February, 1911. It was resolved to hold over tho forfeiture of Mrs. Hogg's interest for a month.

Miss M. A. Hummer applied to transfer Sections 4 and 50, Block IV, Kaiwhata, 185 acres, to Mr. John Bannister, jun. The transfer of Section 4 was approved, but that of 50 was refused, as the lease of the section expired in August next. Mr. W. Walker applied to sublet Section 41. Mangaweka V.S.. sa. lr. !6p., to Mr. John Fitzgerald, and it was resolved to approve, oii ; the usual conditions.

It was resolved to approve of Lots 41, 142, and 143, Viilage of Manunui, being offered for cash by public auction at the upset prices, and weighted with the values of improvements shown on records. Mr. H. J. Chanman applied to transfer Run No. 1, Kaimanawa and Moawhango, 46,000, to Mr. Clias. Hanson, and it was resolved to recommend that the run and Run No. 3 bo held as ono run by father and son, as at. present. The area of No. 3 is 31,000 acres. Mr. 'J. H. Chapman also applied to transfer Run No. 4, Blocks V, IX. XIII, Moawhanga, 6185 acres, 'to Mr. Charles Hanson. The transfer was approved. Mr. J. D. Cameron applied to transfer Section 8, Block XIV, Mangapakeha, Langdalo Settlement, 673 acres, to Mr. M. H. Perston. It was resolved to approve if the proposed transferee was eligible and suitable.

Mrs. M. M. Hislop applied to transfer Snctioiu.l4B, Makuri V.S., Ba. 2r. 13p.. to Mr. J. H. P. Allen, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions. Mrs. M. M. M'Kenzie applied to transfer Section .4, Block XI, Knitoke, 550 acres, to her son, Mr. J. S. M'Kenzie, and it was resolved to approvo on tho usual conditions.

Mr. ]'j. .T. Ible applied to transfer Sections 23, 28, and 33. Block XIII, Pukeo- , kalm..Boo acre?, to Mr.'E. B. K. Gordon, and it was resolved to approve. Mr. J. Devonshire apnlicd (o transfer Section 74, Block V, Horowhenua East Y.S., GOa. lr. 22p., (o Mr. George Webb, and it was resolved to approve. SUB-GETTING. Mr. G. Peck, jun., applied to" subletSection 103, Block XIV, Belmont, Epuni Hamlet, 2 acres, to Mr. Walter Curtis for three years, at an annual rental'of ,£35, and it was resolved to approve on tho usual conditions. •Messrs. K. G. and J. H. Mabey applied to. sublet Section 81, Block XIV, Belmont Epuni Hamlet, 1 aero 2 roods 14 perches, to Mr. A. W. Burn for one year, at an annual rental of lCs., and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions and to rescind the forfeiture as soon as the sublease is registered. Mr. A. B. Anderson applied to sublet Section 14, Block XIII, Mangahao, 200 acres, to Mr. A. H. Cox for fivo years, at a rental of ,£IOO per annum, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions, and somo slight amendment in Clause 5, Mr. W. C. Gregory applied to sublet 18 acres, of Section 20, Taihape V.S., 34 acres 2 perches, to Mrs. E. E. dough, for ten years, at an annual rental of £30 for five years and 10s. for the balance of the term, and it was resolved to approve on the usual conditions. Mr. T. J. Torrey, sen., applied to sublot Section 58, Block XIV, Ohinewairua, 153 acres 1 rood, to Mr. T. D. H. Menzies for seven years, at an annual rental of .£SO, and jt was resolved to approve on the usual conditions. It was resolved to approve of 40 lots in Owhango being offered tor each by public auction at upset prices. TENANTS' APPLICATIONS. It was resolved to grant Mr. A. Dickens the right to cut and remove any dead trees standing or lying on Crown lands or reserves within Blocks IV, V, VIII, and part VII, Pongaroa Townsliip, at a royalty of Is. 3d. per 100 superficial fce't, excepting white pine, for which 6d. per 100 superficial feet will bo charged. Terms and conditions to bo such as tho Commissioner may see fit to fix. Mr. H. P. Tunuiarangi, whoso temporary lease in Humpi Block, of about 3600 acres, will expire on Augu3t 25, 1912, having applied.for a renewal, it was resolved to offer the land for public competition as a pastoral run, at an upset rental to be determined by tho board.

The Presbyterian Church having apglied to be allowed to exohango Section 7, lock V, Rangalaua, aTea 1 rood 20 perches, for Section 21, Block 11, which is Crown land, it was resolved to decline, but the board would be prepared to consider allowing the Church to purchase Section 21 for a site for a manse when it could dispose of Section 7. With reference to the determination of Mr. A. H. Richardson's permit to occupy Section IG6, Block XVI, Nukumaru, it was resolved not to disturb Mr. Richardson's occupation in the meantime. As Mr. J. T. Dngg's lease of S.G.R. 93 and Block IV, Kopuarangt, will exnire on May 11, 1912, it was resolved to allow him to occupy this run from month to month from that date, at a rent at the rate of 21 per cent, on new unimproved value, subject to determination at any time.

With regard to' Mr. R, H, Burling's lease'of S.G.R. 3 and ■(,'Block 11, Aohanga, 758 acres, which expires on May 20, 1912, it was resolved to allow him to occupy the run temporarily from this date from month to month at a rental calculated at 2! per cent, per annum on new unimproved value, subject to determination at any time.

Air. D. Martin wrote complnininpr of the rent which tho board, by resolution dated February 0, 1912, decided to choree bim (ha'nu nt the. rate of 4 per cent.) for the temporary occupation of S.G.Ii, 18, Block 111, Apiti, from March 1, 15112. and it was resolved to rediior* tho rontnl to 2! per rout, on tho new unimproved value for the temporary tenancy from March 1, 1912, the tenancy to be from .year to year. With reference to .the question fis to whether Mr. F. Thompson "has completed Hie rin<; fencing of Action 2, Ulock XIV. Orona.' Aoraiiiri Settlement, 177 acres 3 roods, the Crown lands ranker forwarded a further report, and it was resolved tr, advise the parties that as the boundary in dispute had been accepted years a no as naliirnllr fenced, the hoard would mil- inlerlVre in Jim mailer. Mr. A. I.eilh wrote, with reference lo Iho iioymciiU in en-ear. etc.. nn Section 11. lllock XIV. Momahaki. lllfl.'l acres. I1M( | j| was lesHved that as I he arrears had not Ken naid (be only alternative was torfoil tiro. Mrs. .CUx» LaivMn, lwajo ctf ss»tion 81,

Block XIV, Belmont, 1 acre, wrote with reference to the payment in nrrear, and il was resolved to advise iter that if she would pay 15s. per month until the arrears are overtaken it would he accepted.

With regard to .Mrs. .Marv Burling'.-, lease of S.G.K. i, Jllock i, Aohniign, :j7B acres 3 roods 3(i perches which expires on May 20, 1912, it was resolved to allow liei to occupy it temporarily from month lu month from this date, at a rental of 2j per cent, on new unimproved value, subject to determination at.any time, and it sho becomes the owner of a portion of Section 2, adjoining, the board would favourably consider her being allowed to select Section 1, Block 1, without competition, in terms of Section 128, land Act, 11108. With reference to .Messrs. E. J. and ,T. Rose's Jcase of S.G.R. 107 and 108, Block VII, Kopuarangi, which will expire on May 11, 1912, it was resolved to allow them to occupy for the present on a temporary lease for one year from that date, at a rent of 2V per cent, on new unimproved value, subject to determination at any time.

It was resolved to recommend that Mr. W. H. Hickler bo allowed to select about 2i)G acres of unsurveyed land (part of Section 87, Block XVI, Mangaoncl, tindei Section 129 of the Land Act, 1908, on the O.R.P. system, at such price as the board may hereafter fix.

It was resolved to approve of a further additional extension of three months, ending September 16, 1912, to the Union Company's permit to occupy Lot 7, of Section 216, city of Wellington, on the same terms as at present.

Mr. J.' D. Murphy applied to be allowed to lease Sections 31, 32, 134, 135, Makuri rownship, and it was resolved to lease temporarily from year to year at an annual rentol of .£2 10s.

Mr. IV. H. Dnllison, who occupies SecI fjoiis 11, 12, Block VII, Pohangina .township, 2 roods, from year to rear, wrote stating that he wishes to give. up the section, as considers the rental tco much for grazing purposes.—Resolved to accept the surrender as from Julv 1 next, and offer the land for sale or'lease to someone else. EXPENDITURE OF THIRDS. The Mauricevillo County Council forwarded proposals for the expenditure of accrued thirds, amounting to .£ll 17s. 9d—Approved, subject to investigation by ranger. The Mnngamahu Road Board forwarded proposals for tho expenditure of thirds, amounting to 18s. Bd—Approved, subject to investigation bv ranger. The Wnimarino County Council submitted proposals for expenditure of accrued thirds, amounting to .£53 17s. lid. —Approved, subject to investigation by ranger. The Pahiatua County Council forwarded an application from the selector of Section 5, Block 111, Makuri, to have the thirds from that section expended by tho Woodvillo County Council, as the road of access lies mainly in that county. —Approved, subject to the ranger's report being favourable. RESIDENCE AND FORFEITURE.

Miss A. A. Whiteman wrote with reference to her non-residence on Sections 9 and 9, Blocks II and 111, Mangawhero, IGS4 acres 2 roods 29 perches, and it was resolved that tho board will have no objection to a sub-lessee .who' will comply with the residential conditions.

It was resolved to rescind the forfeiture of Mr. V. R. Astburv's interest in Section 51, Block XIV, Ohincwairna, with_reference to the nine months' exemption from residence granted to Mr. Webb, the sub-lessee on March 28.

The Rev. P. W. Clarkson, lessee of Lots 9 to 11 of Section 24, Block XIV, Ohinewairua, Taihaoe V.S.. 4 acres 39 perches, wrote with reference to his non-residence on the sections, and it was resolved to take no action in the meantime.

Mr. T. C. Hollcy wrote asking for exemption from residence on Section 4t), Ohakune V.S., 15 acres, for such time as the sawmiller, Mr. Carter, retains his tramway on the section, as it covers the only available homestead site, an<l it was resolved to obtain a report from Mr. Ammunson on tho matter.

Mrs. M. Sparks wrote asking the board to reconsider the decision to forfeit her interest in Sections 6, 7, Block X, Rangataia V.Si, 2 acres, for non-residence. Sho says that the timber and iron were ordered ten days ago, and sho is prepared to' start building this week, if i the-board will allow her to occupy the section. It was resolved to hold over the gazettal of the forfeiture for two months to enable her to show her bona fides.

Mr. J. A. Grant, lessee of Section 9, Block XIII, Hungarua, Dyer Settlement, 608 acres, wrote with reference to his non-residence on tho section, and' it was resolved to postpone further action for three months. ,

Mr. .T. Woolston wrote stating that his wife, Mrs. M. A. E. Woolston, lessee of Section 6, Block XV, Ifnitieke, who took up her residence on the land in November last, had to leave it shortly afterwards owing to ill-health, and it was resolved to advise him that if he will reside on the land it will suffice instead of the residence of his wife. OTHER MATTERS. It was decided to grant to Mr. Wm. Old a temporary tenancy of Education Section 21, Block IV, M airoa, 1 acre 2 roods, at a rental of ss. per annum, ■subject to three months' notice of determination. : It was resolved, in terms of Section 12a of the Public Bodies' Leases Act, 1908, to accept a surrender of Mr. T. A. Duncan's lease of Education Reserve Section 5, ; Block XII, Mangawhero, and to. exchange the reserve in terms of Section 29 (if the Education Reserves Act, 1908, for Crown'lands of equal value, to be selected by the Commissioner elsewhere, the Education Reserves Trust's interest in the reserve prior to the surrender to be' the basis of its value for the purposes of the exchange. Tho solicitors for Messrs. Manson and Barr, lessees of Lot 9, Section 11G, Palmerston North, 23 and one-third perches, wrote renewing the application for tho easement for the Section, and it was resolved to approve for the balance of the term of lease only. Mr. F. L. Behrent, lessee of Section 3, Block I, Mangawekn Township, 1 rood 12 perches, wrote asking to be allowed to give up the lease, as he has paid rent for five years, and has not had a penny out of it. It was resolved to decline the request. "A TOUGH CASE." "It was resolved at yesterday's meeting of the Land Board to declare the interest of Messrs. T. and T. J. Wilkinson in Section 7, Block 5, Manganui, 14GA acres, forfeited for failure to sign tho lease in terms of Section 83 of the Land Act, 1908." In these terms tho Wellington Land Board reluctantly did what the law compelled it to do, and this, block, with nil its improvements, is to be submitted to public ballot, "loaded" to tho extent of .£7OO worth of improvements. "IPs one of the cases we have ever had before us," said the Commissioner, Mr. Mackenzie.

The land was acquired under the Bush and Swamps Act, which provides for a remission of rent for four years. The brothers had worked it for* some time, and improvements valued at between .£7OO and .£IOOO were effected on the property. One brother deserted, and the position, ns set forth by the Commissioner, was that if the.transfer sought was granted from the deserter to tho remaining brother, it became a transfer under the Act, and the holder was liable to pay the whole of the rent—in this case .£l3O or

more—to the date of tho transfer. "The applicant for tho transfer had expressed himself as absolutely unable to meet this liability, and the board was puzzled as to how to meet the case. According to tho law, tho land must be forfeited .ami thrown open for selection again. The ranger had valued the improvements at ,£7OO, but tho applicant's estimate was nenrer four figures sterling. The luckless lessee had stated that it would nearly ruin him if ho wcro not successful in the ballot again. Tho improvements wore of such a nature, according to Mr. 'Wilkinson, that a genuine settler would be only too glad to get the property.