ALLEGED CASE OF DUMMYISM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 8830, 19 March 1892, Page 5

ALLEGED CASE OF DUMMYISM.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Inveroakgill, Friday. A special meeting of the Land Board was held to-day to consider a case of alleged dummyism reported by Ranger Campbell on the part of J. B. Basstian, holder of a perpetual lease section of 1400 acres, who manages an adjoining run for his father. C. Cowan, a member of the Board, who was deputed to visit the ground in company with the ranger, reported that some surface sowing and fencing had been done, but there was no sign of a residence or other improvements. An occupier of an adjoining section informed him that part of the land was used as a receiving paddock on the mustering of sheep belonging to the Dunrobin Station. The ranger valued the improvements at £70, and stated that under the Act Basstian should have at least 200 acres cultivated, besides a residence He recommended the Board to cancel' the lease, characterising it as a glaring case of dummyism. The licensee stated on oath that he bought the land for his own benefit, and valued the improvements at £100. He did not reside on the land because he lived on an adjoining property, and was not aware of the extent of the improvements required by the Act. The Board went into committee, and decided to forfeit the lease on the ground of non-compliance with the residential and improvement conditions.