85 Ex-Servicemen in Ballot For North Farms

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1946, Page 4

85 Ex-Servicemen in Ballot For North Farms

Eighty-five returned servicemen participated in a ballot in Whangarei today for four Northland farms. This was the second ballot to be held in Northland for farms allocated for settlement by returned servicemen. Two of the farms were at Whatitiri and the other two at Ruawai. For a farm of 111 acres on the slopes of Whatitiri Mountain there were 58 applicants, among whom Mr D. A. F. Smith, of Whangarei, was successful. On this farm a mew dwelling and cowshed are being constructed. In the ballot for the adjoining farm of 101 acres containing the original homestead, cowshed and outbuildings. Mr H. C. Snell, of Parnell, Auckland, was successful. For this farm there were 62 applicants. WINS FARM IN OWN DISTRICT A block of 68 acres at Ruawai containing the homestead which is being renovated and enlarged and on which a new cowshed is being built was won in a ballot of 54 applicants by Mr T. A. Joynt, of Ruawai. The other part of the farm, containing 68 acres on which a new house and new cowsheds are being erected, went to Mr W. H. Flett, of Newton, Auckland. There were 58 applicants for this farm. The Whatitiri farms each have a carrying capacity of 60 cows while those at Ruawai are estimated to be capable of carrying 50 cows each. When the sections are ready for final possession sufficient dairy stock and plant will be provided and will be paid for by the successful applicants at valuation at current market rates. On behalf of the Commission of Crown Lands, Mr F. W. Brown, senior clerk of the Lands and Survey Department, Auckland, conducted the ballot while Mr R. G. Russell, secretary of the Whamgarei Returned Services Association, was appointed by the ex-servicemen present as scrutineer. SHOULD KNOW VALUE

The opinion that an ex-serviceman who allowed his name to go into a ballot for a farm should be advised of the value of the property beforehand was expressed by Mr F. C. Gould at the Northern Wairoa Returned Services’ Association executive meeting this week. Mr Gould said he understood that it a serviceman were successful he was asked to decide whether he desired the property, those who were level-headed enough deciding against it.

‘Tt seems unreasonable to me,” he added in pointing out that the value should be known beforehand.

Mr G. Stallworthy. It seems like the cart before the horse. The price should be known.

The president (Mr M. C. Astley) stated that he understood that the terms for the ballots were regarded as liberal.

Mr Gould: That is delightfully vague.