THE MOTUTARA ESTATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6318, 22 February 1922, Page 6

THE MOTUTARA ESTATE.

SIR EDWIN MITCHELSON INTERVIEWED.

The comments that have been made regarding the Government’s ; urehasc cf the Motutara estate were referred to Sir Edwin Mitchelson, the, late owner of the property. When questioned on tho subject. Sir Edwin said the statement as to previous negotiations made by Mr W. J. Hopkins, of Christchurch, -was absolutely; correct. This statement, he added, was sufficient answer to the allegations made in Parliament by Mr It. McCall um, M.P. for Wairau. Sir Edwin said that since lie had sold the estate an adjoining property, which he did not regard as so valuable, had been disposed of at a higher price per acre than that received for his land. In regard to the Government valuation of the Motutara estate, Sir Edwin said it was not altered frem the time ho purchased it in its rough state of fern and ti-treo up to the time he sold it. He understood that a new valuation had since been. made. In reply to a further question regarding tho Prime Minister’s suggestion of a commission .of inquiry, Sir Edwin said: “That is a matter ~'for Mr Massey to decide.” Sir Edwin received a telegram from Colcncl G. J. Smith, M.L.C., who was one of those who had negotiated for Um purchase of the . property prior to the Government taking it for soldiers’ settlement purposes. Telegraphing from Christchurch, Colonel Smith"said: “Sympathise with you in Mr McCnllum’s utterly unjustifiable attack, as I knew something of tho property in question. I will be in Auckland next week, and will call on you.”

Sir EcTwin said he had had letters and telegrams from all over New Zealand since the attack, was made public.