THE HINE CHARGES.

Feilding Star, Volume V, Issue 1331, 3 November 1910, Page 4

THE HINE CHARGES.

THE MACDONALD CASE

(γ-er press association.)

Wellington, November 2. Ibe Hine Committee of the Upper House resumed this evening. Mr McKenzie, Commissioner of Uwn Lands, said the expenditure on the Isainai property by the Government .was £1,539 for drainage repairing, etc. The income from the property was £1,453, £936 of this amount being for the sale of five acres to Skerrett, half a mile away, offered in 1901 for £108, and in 1904 for £204 per acre. To Dr Findlay: He thought the land suitable for workmen's dwellings.

Re-examined witness said no effort beyond Jeasing for grazing purposes was made by the Department to utilise the laud during the past two years. He knew of no communication between Macdonald and any Minister. He discussed the Hutt properties generally with Mr Seddon, but no special land. .In respone to Mr Skerrett's objection to Mr Myers' method of leading examination, Dr Findlay said he wanted the fullest light thrown on all that occurred between Mr Seddon and witness in connection with the transaction.

Witness continuing, said Macdonald had given the opinion that the property was .worth £200 per acre, at wlueli price his firm offered it to the Government in 1905. To I>r Findlay: There was no attempt on the part of Mr Seddon to influence him to make a recommendation. He did not approve. Mr. Seddon was very anxious to obtain land at the Hutt. He had no reason to believe that Mr Seddon took a bribe from Macdonald or Leigh m connection with the sale of the property. It was inconceivable that there could be collusion between Mr. Seddon and Macdonald in connection with the sale of the property. He would swear that there was absolutely no influence, politically or otherwise, in connection with 'the sale of the Nainai Estate to the Government. H. Love, wife of D. Love,, Picton, said she was the owner of ,!ar>d ax Waiwetu. The Government bought 25 acres of her land. Macdonald advised her to sell to the Government, otherwise they woiild acquire it under the Public Works' Act. She did not want to sell, as it was her dowry. She was charged commission by Macdonald, Wilson and Co. on the sale to the Government. A. L. Wilson, recalled, said his firm entered into negotiations for the sale of Mrs Love's propeprty to the Government, who would only toy that 24 acres, the price being £6,075, or £420 less than the whole 53 acres. It was originally proposed that the land should be purchased in witness' name, a proposal which lie refused to a free to.

ltitchie, recalled, said Barren recommended the purchase of the whole estate for £6,280. The Crown subsequently purchased 24 acres for £6,073. ' ■■"■■." Morrison, land agent, said that in 1905 Macdonald, Wilson and Co. took over tlie management of Love's affairs. The price «greed upon for Love's property tb Wilson was £6,500. The committee adjourned till 8 p.m. on Thursday.