WASTE LANDS BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6140, 22 July 1881, Page 3

WASTE LANDS BOARD.

Tas fortnightly meeting of the Board was held yesterday, the Chief Commissioner in the chair. Present:— Messrs. Firth, Moat, and May. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. ' ' Newcastle.—A letter was received from Vk» Government, intimating His Excellency's approval of the sizes, &c, of allotments.—lt was resolved to reserve one chain of land along the . water frontages. Tβ Poke.—A letter was received from the Secretary of Crows Lands, enclosing letters' from Mr. Vesey Stewart on behalf of the New Zealand Land Corporation (Limited) and a letter from Captain Turner.—lt was resolved to put the land np as third-claas land, the valuation to be determined by the Chief Surveyor. Potertv Bat.—A telegram was received from the Secretary of the County_ Council, relating to land settlement, and promising to forward a resolution of a public meeting on the eubject. —The consideration of the question referred to was postponed until the resolution ehould be received. Kawakmva.—Letters were read from the County Council re building a footbridge across the Kawakawa River. —They saw no objection to. it, nnd the Board had no objection. Tuakau.—A letter was received from the local Board, asking approval of a road.—Approved.—ln the case of John Giffin, the Board said they had no discretion in the matters referred to. -■•■■■'•■ Coroxandel,—Mr. Fraser applied for-cer-tain timber.—Postponed. ' -■ "■ ■ ■■' Oiao. —Seven settlers applied that a piece of land should be set apart on the deferred payment system.—Deferred for farther information'as to the land. School. —The Cook County Council applied for a school site.—Site granted for school, and also site for teacher's residence. : . Roads. —Mr. Boler, cash purchaser, asked for certain assistance in constructing a road to his farm. —A similar application was made by a Tβ Puke settler. ~~ • ! Homestead were made to "Mr. Foeter and family of seven, and to Mr. Newby and family. Mr. Emott was allowed to purchase a certain surplus of survoy. ITokatoka SWAMP.~A native applied to pur chase 60 acres in this swamp.—The Chief Commissioner said the question was whether the Board would like to encourage , the settlement of natives on Crown lands in the ordinary way.—lt was agreed to have the GO acres laid off.- • ' ■.-■■•"-■ .:. . ••• ■ ■ ■ ,■ ■■ y ■ Bat of Islands.—A manganeie. miner, named Francis Bollard, applied for 200 acres under the Mines Ace.—The applicant said he was in a position to take up the lease if it were granted.—Application granted. - ; RESIGNATION OF MR. FIRTH. :' J Mr. Firth, in resigning his seat at the Board, ■aid :.—The Board is very well aware thai: in the administration of suoh a very dirfioult subject as the Crown lands of this portion of the colony, it must be subject to the criticism of the Press, of politicians, and the general public. The Board, as far as I know, has rather courted this criticism than otherwise. - Of course some leading politicians have denounced the present constitution of the Waste Land Boards, and objected to their dealing with the lands of the colony. But, looking to the immense numbers of "transactions that have been passed under notice of the Board during the five yeirs of its existence, 1 must say that the percentage of complaint has been remarkably small. Personally, I have no reason to complain of public critioism, which has been fair; out, I think when a Minister of the Crown thinks it his.duty in his place in Parliament in discusaing a measure known as "The Local Government Bill," to animadvert on Waste Lands Boards in terms that are certainly not complimentary, but very much otherwise, I think that this Board has reason to complain of the language applied to it among others. At any rate, as a, member, I think it my duty to bring tho matter under your. notice. In a speech made by Major Atkinson, and reported in the New Zealand Herald, ho is represented as Enying: "As to Waste Lands Boards, he had no great love for them; the Govornnient had it in contemplation to abolish them." Major Atkinson, or any other Minister, had a perfect right to say in what particulars tho Waste Lands Boards no longer fulfilled the purposes

for which they were brought into existence. But was it proper, wise, or courteous to_ refer to thorn ia such language as Major Atkinson was pleased to speak of them. I think we are all prepared to Bubmit to criticism from the publio, but a gentleman -who is a member of the Government charged with the administration of the colony, who occupies the high and responsible position that he does, ought to be a littlo more careful in his remarks. It is not that the Land Boards wieh for praise—they are quite satisfied with tho knowledge that they do their duty. In the same speech by Major Atkinson therois another p'asaage—" There is no leisure class here able to give up their time, &c." I can only say that while Major Atkinson pleases to use language on those of that kind who are doing public service their numbers will not bo increased. And, again, with reference to tho the Charitable Aid Act, Major Atkinson is reported as saying: " Unless they were to have a law administered by officials they would require Boards to do the work for patriotism." I do not think Major Atkinson will get nuich. work for patriotism if he uses to those who do the work the language I refer to. So far as the administration of the waste lands of the Crown by this Board is concerned, I must stito that it has endeavoured to do its duty, and it has done its duty, honestly and fairly, making allowance, for errors of judgment, to which all classes of men are liable. I say that no rich man has ever been favoured by this Board because he was rioli, nor has the poor man been oppressed. I am pleased to; think that this Board has always dealt with the hardworking poor settler in the most equitable and merciful manner; that this Board has always regarded the struggling settler as fully entitled to tho utmost indulgence that could be given to bim ; the principle of equity_has always governed the administration of this Board. As a member, I- have with great difficulty and at great personal inconvenience, attended in my place at this Board. I do not feel inclined, under present circumstances, to continue to hold a seat at this Board. I muet say that it has been pleasant to me, although' my attendance has been & difficulty to me somewhat nrduouo, to have experienced such courtesy from the Ohinf Commissioner, and such good feeling and kindnees from the other members. This consideration has made the performance of my duty hero a pleasure to mo. Taking into consideration the remarks which have been made by Major Atkinson, supplemented by the great difficulty I have in attending, I feel it my duty to resign my seat. I' may state that' I inquired of Major Atkinson as to the correctness of ; the language reported, and he has'stated that the report is substantially'correct. I beg there fore to resign my seat at this Board., : The Chief Commissioner regrettod that Mr. Firth had resolved to resign his seat at the Board. : Mr. Firth had been most assiduous in the performance of his duties, and his'great knowledge was an invaluable assistance to the Board.- •• ' , ■:■ . : ■;- . " . : ~.-:-'. Mr. Moat regretted exceedingly tho resolution to whiph Mr. Firth had come. He didnot think that Mnjor Atkinson intended to caet any imputation upon members of. Boards, but rather on the constitution of Waste Lands Boards. ' • Mr. Mat also regretted that Mr. Firth had resigned his'seati As to "nominated" Boards, it would bo found by the longest experience that nominated Boards did the duties best. Whenever elected Boards had the administration of lands they found a great inclination to jobs of various kinds. •,. ; ■ Mr. Firth then retired from the chamber. Seme farther jontine bueiness was transacted, and the Board' adjourned., ':, , ; :