THE MOTUTARA ESTATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18016, 15 February 1922, Page 8

THE MOTUTARA ESTATE.

MR. McCALLUM'S CHARGE.

LATE OWNER'S STATEMENT.

QUESTION OF VALUATION.

The comments thai, have been made regarding the Government's purchase of the Motutara estate iysre referred yesterday to Sir Edwin Mitchelson, the lato owner of the property. When questioned on the subject Sir Edwin said that tho statement as to provious negotiations made by Mr. W. J. Hopkins, of Christchurch, and published yesterday, was absolutely correct. This statement, he added, was a sufficient answer to tho allegations made in Parliament by Mr. R. McCallum, M.P. for Wairau. Sir Edwin said that since he sold the estate ad adjoining property, which ho did not regard as so valuable, had been disposed of at a higher price per aero than that received for his land. In regard to tho Government valuation of tho Motutara estate Sir Edwin said it was not altered from the tinio he purchased it in its rough state of fern and teatree, about 15 years ago, until he sold it. He understood that a now valuation had since been made.

In reply to a further question regarding the Primo Minister's suggestion of a commission of inquiry, Sir Edwin said, "That is a matter for Mr. Massey to decide."

STATEMENT BY LAND AGENT.

THE TWO PREVIOUS OFFERS.

The statement raado by Mr.' Hopkins wa§ also confirmed yesterday by Mr. H. E. Vaile, of the firm of Samuel Vailo and Sons, Ltd. " The account of previous negotiations given by Mr. Hopkins " said Mr. Vaile. "is quite correct. Ho offered £38,(500 for the property and £7000 for the live and dead stock, but Sir Edwin Mitchelson held that his flock of stud sheep and his other stock and plant were worth considerably more than £7000. For that reason the offer was not accepted. Tho other offer that Mr. Hopkins referred to was one of £33,000 for a portion of the property, also from a well-known Christchurch resident." Mr Vaile said that thi s offer, which he regarded as better than that made by Mr. Hopkins, was not accepted, the reason being some legal difficulties."

INQUIRY BY TRIBUNAL. FORM NOT DETERMINED. [BY XEtEGEAI'H.—PRESS ASSOCIAItOJJ.] WELLINGTON. Tuesday. The Prime Minister stated to-night that the Cabinet had not yet been able to consider the question as to what particular form the tribunal to inquire injo Mr. R, McCallum's charges regarding the purchase of Sir Edwin Mitcholson's estate would take. It would be some days, probably, before a definite decision was reached.