AUCKLAND LANDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14508, 24 October 1910, Page 8

AUCKLAND LANDS.

SUBDIVISION OF DISTRICT WANTED. ADMINISTRATION CRITICISED. [BY TELZGB.APH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Sunday. While the Estimates of the Land and Survey Department were being considered in the House of Representatives on Saturday, Mr. Ross (Pahiatua), moved that the item "£2OOO fees for members of land boards " he reduced by £1 as an. indication that the people oi' this country v.eie dissatisfied with the manner in which transfers are approved or declined by members of land boards. .He wished to know whether land boards were going to continue in what he assumed was on absolutely wrong course; that was in declining transfers to people who held licenses under the previous Act. The Prime Minister (Sir prd) said that he could not deal with that matter off hand, as it was one of policy. Mr. Eoss said that he would confine his amendment to the conduct of business by land boards. Mr. Poland (Ohinemuri) hdd that settlement in the Auckland district was retarded by the present management. A Board of four or five members was not sufficient to handle such an unwieldy district. Throughout the district there was grave dissatisfaction at the delays that were taking place in the administration of the affairs of the Board. Sometime replies to letters could not be obtained for months, and people who applied for sections in mining districts had sometimes to wait as long as three years. Sir Joseph. Ward: What do you suggest '! Mr. Poland: That the Auckland land district should be subdivided. Sir Joseph Ward: Where do you suggest that the headquarters should be located Mr. Poland : I believe that there should be an Auckland South land district, and that the Department should fix the headquarters. Mr. Jennings (Taumarunui) also emphasised the necessity for a redistribution of the areas oi the land boards in the North Island. The Prime Minister 6aid that he would give the representations careful consideration. The amendment was rejected on the voices.