ALLEGED DUMMYISM A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 73, 27 March 1914, Page 3

ALLEGED DUMMYISM A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.

REGARDING COST OF AN ENQUIRY. (HI TELEGRAPH.— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, 26th March. A difference of opinion occurred at the Land Board meeting this morning between the Commissioner (Mr. H. M. Skeet) and a settler as to the fairness of expecting the latter to undertake the payment of expenses in the event of certain allegations of land dummying being proved groundless. The settler had lodged an objection to the transfer of 829 acres in the Tauranga district, and he was informed by . the Commissioner that his allegation contained grave charges of "dummyism." He was asked whether he would undertake to pay the expenses of an. enquiry in the event of the case going against him. The objector replied that he was not in a position to load himself with such responsibility, and stated that it was the duty of the Commissioner to investigate such matters without expecting struggling settlers to pay. He would have to bring witnesses from long distances. - The Commissioner rejoined that such undertakings were necessary, in order to ensure that trivial charges did not run the board into unnecessary expense. '"Are you prepared to pay up to £50 expenses?" asked the Commissioner. "No," was the reply. "Will you undertake to pay up to £20?" further enquired Mr. Skeet. "No," said the settler, "and I decline to answer any more questions." "I put those questions to you," ob- ' served the Commissioner, "because it has come to my knowledge that you offered to pay £20 to someone in the event of your objection being upheld." The settler protested that he had never done so, and, after consulting his solicitor, intimated that he desired to withdraw the charge. The Commissioner (after consulting thu board) : The matter will not end heie ; and I may call upon you in anothei icspuct The item will be adjourned unt'l next meeting.