TOWNSHIP OF GISBORNE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 14, Issue 1144, 15 April 1870, Page 2

TOWNSHIP OF GISBORNE.

The sale of the Township of Gisborne, Poverty Bay, took place on Wednesday last — Mr. Routledge officiating as auctioneer. There was a good attendance of buyers, and a fair competition for many of the lots put up. Of the town sectious, 92 J-acro lots were disposed of, but only a few of the suburban lots fouud buyers— a considerable number of these, as well as of back town sections, remaining on hand. The sale realised in all £1758 55., to which has to be added the price of several lots siuce taken at the upset rate by private purchasers. The buyers were, for the most part, Napier aud Poverty Bay meu, and the greater number were bond, Jide iutending occupants of the land. We learn that Mr. Gillies, the Superintendent of Auckland, protested in very strong terms against the sale of Gisborne beiug held at Napier — he contending that, as the land referred to was iv Auckland, the Government of that Province could not be ignored in the matter. The General Government, however, regard the sale of this township as part of their scheme for the defence of the East Coast, and as suoh, more properly in the bauds of their owu ageut than those ofthe Superiuteudeut ofaProviuce. Moreover, they had reason to believe that the chief bidders would be Poverty Bay men, who could net be expected to travel all the way to Auckland to make their purchases. The event has proved the wisdom of causing the sale to be held at Napier— at once a contiguous place to the land, and one easy of access from differeut parts. Our advices from Auckland do not justify the belief that Mr. Gillies is supported by public opinion in the steps he has tuken in this matter, and we really do uot see how he could expect to be, so supported.