LAND SALES

Grey River Argus, 17 March 1945, Page 2

LAND SALES

GREYMOUTH SITTING At Greymouth yesterday morning, the following applications were dealt with by the Westland Land Sales Committee, Messrs M. Wallace (chairman), J. Mulcare, and J. W. Greenslade. Mr Clay appeared for the Crown. Executors in’ the estate of J. K. Buchanan, deceased, to P. Symond, one eighth share in coal lease held by Smith and Party, price £lBO. Mr. C. R. McGinlcv appeared for the applicant, and agreed to reduction in price to £lso.—Consent granted. A. S. Cunningham and estate of H. A. Cunningham deceased to A D. J. and A. C. Manson. The Crown opposed the application. Mr. C. R. McGinley appeared for the applicant, qnd stated that the application was for a lease of a farming property plus chattels at Wainahini. He did not propose to call an expert valuer. The applicant valued the improvements on his farm at £2488.

Adam Samuel Cunningham, the applicant gave evidence concerning details of improvements carried out on the property. He considered that building costs were dearer in 1942 at Wainahini, than elsewhere. The dwelling was erected 15 years . ago, and was insured for £BOO. The sum of £4OO had been spent on the property in putting in drains. He had purchased a property of 100 acres, after the last war, adjoining his own for £lOOO, the Crown valuation being £720. If he was in good health and a younger man, he considered production on the property could be increased by 30 per cent. There were SO acres of swamp land, which could be drained, and brought into production. He considered that the 80 acres, if improved would run 25 cows. His estimate of the cost of draining, was about £lOO. He would not be prepared to lease the property, if his health had been good, and he had a good deal of farming experience on the West Coast. He considered that six tons of lime would improve the property, as far as productivity was concerned.

To Mr. Clay: The value of £3OOO on the property was his own valuation. He considered that it worth £4OOO, but the reduction was only due to the state of his health. A. D. J. Manson stated that he and his brother proposed to lease the property from Mr. Cunningham. They had gone fully into the matter, and were satisfied that they could make the proposition a payable one, and would average £3OO to £4OO yearly, after paying costs and living expenses. His father and mother would Jive with them, and his father would act in an advisory capacity. Alan Campbell Manson, father of applicants, stated that in his opinion, the place was cheap. He considered that it was worth at least £3400, and at present was understocked. Douglas Kirkland Kerr, farm appraiser for the State Advances Corporation was called by Mr. Clay and stated that he had inspected the property and buildings theron. He considered quite a big area would be improved by top dressing. He had allowed in the valuation, for the cost of transport of stock to and from the property, which was in an isolated place. He considered for sale purposes, £2,284 was a fair value for the property. To Mr. McGinley: He valued the dwelling at £6BO, but considered its replacement cost at £1,300. After lengthy submissions by Mr. Clay and Mr. McGinley, the committee reserved its decision, the chairman remarking that the matter was somewhat involved.

E. Stewart to C. R. Clark, lot 2, Sec. 294, H. Black 26 Leonard Street, Greymouth; price £5OO. Edward Stewart, Mr. C. R. McGinley, the vendor stated that he purchased the property in 1941 for £4OO, and had carried out improvements which he considered were worth £5O. He was prepared to accept £450. After A. Bruhn, builder, had given evidence regarding his inspection of the property the case was adjourned owing to the absence of a Crown witness. . The following cases were adjou-m--ed to the next sitting. C. Lochore to J. C. Lowry. High Street, Greymouth. Price £BB5. J. C. Drummond to W. W. Parkinson, lot 1, D.P. 867, Marsden Road Greymouth.