THE MOKAU INQUIRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14787, 16 September 1911, Page 8

THE MOKAU INQUIRY.

FURTHER EVIDENCE TAKEN.

WHAT THE TRANSACTION MEANT

[BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION-.] Wellington, Friday The Mokau inquiry was continued to-day, Mr. Dalziell continuing his evidence, said the transaction practically was that Lewis bought for £39,300 and "sold for £71,000 and 450 shares in the company, and for 50 years will receive rent for 7000 acres at present leased. Mr. Bowler will receive a small remuneration from the company while he acts as trustee. This had been done after consulting with the UnderSecretary (Mr. Fisher) and the SolicitorGeneral. The remuneration is to be £5 per month.

Replying to Mr. Massey, witness admitted that without an Order-in-Couneil Lewis would only have obtained 3000 acres. The Board did not confirm the sale until after the Gazette authorising it was issued.

To Mr. Dive : If the company did not subdivide in three years they could apply for an extension of time. The fact that Mr. Bowler was being paid by the company would not influence him as president of the Land Board in extending the time. There was no question of payment when Mr. Bowler first became a trustee. It was the Solicitor-General who suggested that Mr. Bowler should be paid.

Herman Lewis, whose evidence was interrupted earlier in the week by his illness, continued his testimony. • Replying to Mr. Hemes, witness said that some of the natives came to him in 1908 and wanted to sell for £15,000. That was witness's first connection with the affairs. Witness was prepared two years ago to sell to the Government for £28,000. Witness reserved 7000 acres for himself.

To Mr. Massey: Ho had been paid by the company for. 46,000 acres. He had not attempted to sell his 7000 acres, nor had he received an offer for it. Witness's share in the company cosT him £1200.

The committee at this stage adjourned until next Wednesday.