MARLBOROUGH LAND BOARD

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 113, 11 May 1909, Page 5

MARLBOROUGH LAND BOARD

The ordinary monthly meeting of the Land Board was held this morning when there were present: The Commissioner (Mr F. Stephenson Smith), and Messrs A. McCallum, Reader, Fulton.

Mr Fulton reported on John Bown jun's application to purchase 550 acres of land behind sections 15 to 19, Blocks IX and XIII, Wakamarina S.D.

Mr Fulton said he had gone over the place and found that the fire had been _ through most of it. Mr Bown had informed him that if he secured the section he would do his best to protect the Reserve from fire and fern from growing. The place was ready for a lire going through it unless it was protected.

Mr Cooper had objected to Mr Bown getting the section, or any more land there. Mr Fulton said he considered it would be an advantage to the Board to let Mr Bown have the section if he wanted it, as it would prevent fern from growing there, and also from coming back on to his property and also from spreading on. the reserve.

It was decided that Mr Bown's application be recommended for the Minister's approval, provided all necessary steps regarding deposit, survey, etc.. be taken.

Mrs M. Morrison applied for section sa, Block X, Wakamarina S.D., containing 35 acres, fronting the Wakamarina River, which she stated was covered with blackberry.—Deferred for the Ranger's report. C. P. Goulter wrote objecting to an occupation license of the landing place reserve, (se6tion 7, Block XV, Hundalee S.D.), for the purpose of grazing their workmen's horses.

_ It was decided that the question of discussing Mr Goulter's objection be deferred until the next meeting of the Board.

P. Me Arthur applied for 160 acres of land on the west side of the Wakamarina River.

It was resolved that Mr McArthur be informed that when the land is withdrawn from reservation his application would be considered with others. G. Boyce applied to surrender section 17, Block XVI-, town of Seddon.

It was decided that Mr Boyce's application be acceded to.

A Evans applied to complete the purchase of O.R.P. section 2, Block XV, Kaitarau S.D.

Approved, subject to all necessary improvements being effected. Mahakipawa Crown Lands.—Mr J. P. Campbell's claim to have section B,_ Block X, Linkwater S.D., loaded with the value of his improvements was considered.

Referred to the Commissioner, with power to act.

A. R. Foote applied for three years' exemption from residence and making improvements on S.G. run No. 114.

The Commissioner said Mr Foote had failed to reside upon the holding. He had tried on one or two occasions to exchange the section for another. There was one million feet of birch timber and a quarter of a million feet of other timber on the land. The land was of very poor quality, and should have been reserved for the preservation of birds, fishes and beasts. Mr Fulton proposed and Mr Reader seconded that Mr Foote be granted two years' exemption from the residential clause, subject to improvements being effected. The resolution to be forwarded to the Minister.— Carried. .

Mr G. Fleming's application for a miscellaneous lease over about 10 acres on an island in the Wairau River fronting section 5, Block 111, Mt. Olympus S.D., was further considered. The Ranger said he knew of no reason why Mr Fleming's application should not be granted; it was only a small section of about 10 acres.

It was decided, on the motion of Mr Reader, seconded by Mr Fulton: That Mr Fleming's application be granted at an annual rental of £1, during the'pleasure of the Board. TRANSFERS. The following applications to transfer were submitted for approval:— Messrs Dalgety and Co. to Mrs F. McNabb, S.G. run 35. The Commissioner thought the Board should grant the application, and that the transfer be granted.— Agreed to. The question of Mrs P. Rutherford's application to sublet (L.P. 466) section 29, Block XI, Cape Campbell S.D., was considered. The Commissioner said that Mrs Rutherford had twice been informed that she could not sub-let, but she had not replied to the letters. The Board could not recommend the matter for the Minister's approval until she had complied with the residential clause. It was decided that Mrs Rutherford be written to and informed of her position in terms of her lease.

B. S. Storey to W. Storey, section 341, Block X, Mt. Fvffe S.D. It was decided that there was no reason why the application should not be granted, and that it be approved. H. B. Tennent to A. J. Farmar and W. R. Scott, pastoral run No. 149a.

The application was granted. Mrs M. Bratli to S. C. Harding and W. A. and T. G. Lawrence, (O.R.P. 32) section 4, Block-VI, Orieri S.D. It was resolved that the application be granted, subject to the Minister's approval. Mrs Laura Scott to Mrs S. G. Seymour (L.P. 382) section 9, Block X, Linkwater S.D.

It was decided to recommend the application for the Minister's approval. The meeting then adjourned until Wednesday at noon.