WELLINGTON LAND BOARD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1666, 3 February 1904, Page 62

WELLINGTON LAND BOARD.

Thg li&nfr Board met qu Thursday .Mr X StratieKbb (Commissioner .of Crown Lands)' presi ding. There were also preeent'Messrs J. Dawson, A. Eeese .and T. H. Roihirisoh, • . ■ r ; n W.'Core's application for section 23, block 10, Manganui, was not approved, as it was considered that he should urst visit anju inspect the secfcion and sauisfy himself that it’ was.suitable for his requiirememts. • ~ H. A. Mason's application for section 62, block 8, Balmont, was not approved, as he dli-d, 'noit sea his way to reside within twelve months. N : _ Titles- were approved ad follows: —1 • ; Eooe # section 18, block 11, Maaugaone; D. G. MoK. Turnbull, section 10, block 14, Hautapu; W. P. Shaw; section 1, block 'll, Hautapu; G. H. Purnell, section 33, • block 12, Apiti; J. Robb, section 3, blocks 13 and 14, fliautaipu. A considerable paitt of the sitting was • occupied with interviews amid examina- • tionS,* oiiie examination and the resulting - disoitssiou occupying-nearly the iyhole of the afternoon.- A ,l ' - The ! tr olio wing applications /for* land were approved: -—William. Davidson! 216 . acres at ‘Makotulm; H. G. P. Morfensen. E 1847 acres at JEtuahine; John Wal 1 er, 200 acres *at Tiriraukawa; Chairleis H. Dick-: ' enis. 230 acres at Aolianga; John Harvey, 150" acres at Tararua; John O’Grady, 3 roods 8 perches at Mataroa V.S.; Sarah Ann Nation, 1 rood at Hokio township; E. N. Pink and J, K. Douglas, 2 roods 27 perches at Hokio township; Richard T. Butt, 1 food ait Hokio township; Ottavia fbsella, 1 pood at Hokio township; Alex MacDonald, 1 rood at Levin township; Walter .running, 1 rood 31 perches at •Makuri township; Walter Anderson, 2 acres 3 roods Longdale suburbs; element G. Gulling, 1 acre 1 rood at Poban--gina. \ The eight- sections next referred .to "are all situated at Belmpnt:—C. T. -Fear,* 6 acres 1 rood 81 perches; Robert BE Bell, 6 acres 4 perches; John Arnold 3 acres 1 rood 24 perches; Harry Adams, 3 acres I'rood 8 paiches; James Harris, T acrerl rood 24 perches; Peter Moroney, 1 aohe 2 rood's 18 perches; marlgaret S>]«ter, 2 acres 1 noted 28 perches; Robert F. Hall, 8 acres; A. A. Babington,, 4 acres 2 roods 9 perches. There were six applications for the last-mentioned section, Mrs Babington being represented by the suiaoessfu.lt miarble in the sweep. With reference to the application by R. Gregory- for the issue of the freehold title for section 3, block 16, Makuri, it was resolved on the motion of Mr Reese, Seconded by Mr Dawson, that the freehold title be issued. • Transfers were approved as follows: H. MioCuitchen,, Tiriraukawa, to L. Rowling; Jf E. Steubecrg, Aobanga, to G. Dunn; A. J. Ross, Makotuku, to L. S. Ford; H. Frebenseu; Hautapu, to J. McCracken; o. H. Blunden, tJmuboi, to E. L. Martin; J. F. Gleeson, Makuri, to J. H. Baucke; trustees in .6State of R. Eibblewihite, deceased. to v - R. Kibble white, Mikim.iki; Dam.phey Bros., Puketoi, to (5. T. Dampney; N. Neilsen, Belmont, to W. Tiller; J. H. James, deceased, to Mrs James, Horowben.ua: G. and J. W. Clevely, Tararua, to G. Clevely. Subject to ranger's reported transfers were granted'from E. Erikson, Aohanga, to C ; Sorensen; C. Stockwell, Hautapu, to P. Gallagher; C. Jackson,- Hautapu, to H. Hamilton'; A. TfVatson; Belmont, to E. Jones. - J.- G. Johnstone applied to transfer section 6, block 10, Ohinewiaiirua, to N. R. Jacobsen. After considering a report from the ranger, the Board granted the transfer.’ . “

The Board decided there was no power fco-fcransfor section 23. 'block 8. Makotuku. (nom-A. J. Roes to Mis Jean McLeod, the Conditions as to improvements not having been complied with. C. H. O’Dwyer applied to transfer sections 6 and 8, Karewarewa V.S., to A. Sanson.—lt was resolved! (on the motion of Mr Reese, seconded by Mi- Dawson) to grant exemption from residence up to date and to approve the transfer. F. A. Addenbrooke applied to transfer geotions 6 and 7, block 1, Tiriraukawa, to Jqlin Hancock and David Tod respectively.—Mr Reese moved that the transfer to Mr Todl be not approved. Seconded by Mr Dawson and carried. The other transfer was held over by request. J. J. Roberts applied to transfer section .23, block 16, Apiti, to P. Jansen. F. J. Roberts attended on tnat behalf. It Was resolved not to approve the request, but to call upon J. J. Roberts to show causie why his interest should not be declared forfeited for non-compliance with the conditions of the lease. In regard to an inquiry held by the Board into the case of Miss Todd concerning the manner in which she had complied with residence conditions in of sections vti-71, block 16, Aotea. taken up by her. a long discussion took place. Eventually, the Board decided to take: no action.

On Friday the Land Board resumed its fitting, there being present the Crown Lands Comxnissoner (Mr Strauchon), and Messrs T. H. Robinson, J. Dawson,

and A. Reese. v Miss E M. Roberts (now Mrs C Searlei i applied to transfer section 22, block 10, J Umutoi, to P. Jensen.—Postponed, as the transfer of J. J. Roberts's section was not 1 approved. .* : • J T. Brown applied to transfer section 17, block 1, Umutoi, to Mrs E. L. Martin.—Approved subject to '■ the CrownLands ranger confirming selector s statement as to additional bush felling having

: been .done. V . , , v : H. Rowling applied again" to transfer . section 6, block 7, Tiriraukawa, to E. Bowling.—Mr Robinson moved that the ; r transfer. be granted. No seconder. Mr Dawson moved and Mr Reese seconded, :v and it .was agreed, that the transfer be not.granted.. . ■ . V/’ F;T?f Bliss applied to transfer section 13, blbck 2, Gbrgo, to. G. Hartstone.—Re- - solved to ■ waive residence to date and to : - - the; transfer.' ■>?' • ’ . Ay t ./;G. Reynolds applied to transfer sectipn 4,/ block .10, Makotuku, to 11. . v.hpd J. McCallum.—As the selec- ' cor s'own' statement showed that required • improvements had not been made the

Board had no power to approve the transfer. . G. L. H. Cunningham applied for three mouths' time in which to find a partner for section 9, block 9, Tararua. —Consideration of the matter was postponed for three months! . ft . Mrs Munro waited on the Roard with reference to sections 1. 21, and 2 of block 10, Hautapu, which had been' held, by her late husband. She asked for permission to sublet them for five years on terms to be approved.—Resolved that upon Mrs Munro obtaining letters of probate she be advised that if a definite application be put in to the Board, the application will be dealt with at next meeting. Mr Aldermanri applied to have bis tenure of section 32, block 18, Mangaliao, converted from village homestead special settlement to lease m perpetuity. —Approved. H. A. Higgs attended with reference to his non-residence on section 4, block 9, Ruabine, and asked that he be allowed to transfer the section to an eligible person.—Permission was granted, applicant having a medical certificate of illhealth. John Green attended with reference to the improvements in arrear, and his nonresidence, on section 7, block 5, Hautapu. He stated that lie would fell 80 acres of bush per year, and burn and grass it. —Resolved that if he reside at once and effect the deficient improvements each year as stated, tlie Board will suspend further action for twelve months. Messrs G. H. and A. A. Mee renewed their application to convert small grazing run lease of section 5, block 1, Mangawhero, to a lease in perpetuity.—Mr Robinsou moved, but it was not seconded, that the application be granted. It was moved by Mr Reese, and seconded by Mr Dawson, that the application be refused. Ayes: The Commissioner, Messrs Dawson and Reese; No: Mr. Robinson. H. T. Wells-renewed bis application to convert section 2, block 8, Waipnkurau, to lease in perpetuity.—The Board resolved to have a fresh valuation made. Similar action was taken on a similar application in respect of section 3, block 8, Waipnkurau, made by 11. Hamilton. The Public Trustee applied to sub-let J. H. Moody's section 271, block 7, Wainuioru (with the exception of the bouse and 40 acres, which Mrs Moody will retain) for three years.—Approved. W. G. Reynolds applied for permission to sublet a small cottage on sections 241, 242 and 243, Raetihi village settlement. It was resolved that there would be no objection to bis subletting the cottage for one year only, but if he cannot see his way to occupy the section himself, he must find a transferee to whom he should transfer the section.

S. Jorgensen applied for permission to lease three cottages on section 24, Mangawelca Village Settlement.—Resolved to allow him to sublet not more than three cottages for one year only.

James Dawson was given permission (on usual conditions) to sublet ten acres of section 9, block 4, Tararua, to G. Weir .for three years. W. Dunning was requested to submit a definite proposal for an agistment in regard to section 140, block 10, Makuri Township. It was resolved to deduct the amount of <£7 7s lid from the amount received for improvements effected on section 29, block 15, Mangonui, and to pay the balance of <£2o 14s 3d to the late selector. Other cases of similar nature were dealt with as follows: —Section 37b, block 15, Hautapu, <£66 12s 3d to be paid into the public account in part payment of the amount due •to the Crown); section 6, block 2, Tirirankawa (<£9 10s to be paid to the public account, and balance of <£2o 10s to the late selector; section 16, block 6, Makotuku, to pay £ls 0s 9d to the public, account, and to bold the balance (£42 14s 3d) until a legal claim be made for it.

With reference to the request by J. Roy to be allowed to lay a tramway through scenery reserve section 5, block 2, Tararua, it was resolved to approve the application, subject to as little bush as possible being damaged, and that Mr Dawson be authorised to supervise the work to see that this condition be strictly carried out. It was resolved to obtain from the ranger a report re complaint from Jas. McFarland that willows on the banks of the Oroua river, opposite complainant's section, were damaging that section and others in the vicinity. After consideration nad been given to a report from the ranger regarding the application of R. Smith for permission to build on section 27, block 6, Hautanu (a roadman's reserve), it was resolved to approve the request, but to specify that no grazing rights are given in any sucn case. t -

The charge made for 50 acres granted to A. Peters as an accommodation house site at Waiouru was reduced to Is per acre for three years, but it was specified that this rental was not to be treated as a basis on which a 21 years’ lease might issue.

With reference to A. Peter's application to act as caretaker of the oaddoek at Waiouru in return for the grazing of two horses and a cow, a letter was received • from J. Bell, offering £5 per annum< for the use of the paddock and dip, also undertaking that he would repair the dip at his own expense and allow the paddock to be used for travelling stock when required.—Resolved that the paddock be made one for the use of travelling, stock, under Mr Peter as caretaker, the charges to be as follows: Great cattle and yearlings, 2d per head; sheep, 2s per hundred up to 500, Is 6d hundred over 500; horses, Is 6d each. Mr Robinson recorded his. objection to the fixing eo high of the charge for sheep. In regard to Mr Bell, it was resolved that if the dip was repaired by him and others thev would be allowed to use it free ot charge up to the cost of such repairs, whicli are to be approved by the ranger, who will ailso fix the fees to be paid per hundred sheep for use of the dip. R Mackay, late lessee of section li, block 13, Ohinewairua, wrote claiming that his; (improvements onthe section were wopfch c£335. He asked that tne land be weighted with • that, amount. The ranger valued the improvements at £23 2s, and the Board resolved to reoffer the - land on v.h.l.p. "conditions, weighted.with <£2B 2s, and jat a capital value of <£s ss. •hro■ •

The Under-Secretary wrote stating that

it was proposed to defer dealing with the Crown lauds in the Awarua 4a, 3b block at present, , and to hold it back until after next session, when legislation would probably be taken to enable. adjacent selectors to obtain additional land without competition.—Taken as read. A report was received from the Crown Lands Ranger as to the price to be paid for section 5, Pakihikura Village Settlement, allotted to W. J. Letford, and it was resolved to approve the ranger's recommendation and to fix the price at M 10s per acre. _ Part of section 42, block 15, Hautapu (scenery reserve) was leased to the Rangi-wahia-Ruahine Dairy Company (from year to year occupancy) at an annual rental of £l, subject to three months' notice of determination.

A. Hatrick wrote asking that the restriction of bush felling on section 3, block 4, Pipiriki, native township, be made to apply only to such portion of the section as is necessary for scenic purposes.—Resolved to adhere to the original resolution that no bush is to be felled. Dalgety and Co. wrote reporting me sudden death of H. H. Holmes, who recently selected section 8, block 16, Iluangarna (Tablelands), and asking that rue deposit of <£96 14s 4d paid with the application be refunded.—Resolved to recommend the ,application to Government for favourable consideration, and (if approved) to reoffer the section at the late price and rental. The secretary of the Tailiape Dairy Factory Company (Ohutu) wrote asking for an extension of. the lease of section 3, block 7, Tailiape township. Resolved to approvo of an extension of the lease from January Ist, 1913, to December 31st, 1904. at the same rental of £1 4s 8d already paid, on condition that the arrears of rental be paid at once. It was resolved to approve of section 34, Mataroa Village Settlement, being reoffered on village homestead lease in perpetuity conditions, utr<£3 10s per acre, as first-class land. The land being all open land, residence is to be commenced within twelve months from date of selection.

11. Lawson applied for permission to cut grass seed on section 44, Hastwell Village Settlement. —Resolved that the Board has no power to authorise him to do so. . , W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., wrote with reference to the additional land in the Kaita.ngaba block applied for by Mr Hannah. —Resolved to adhere to the original resolution.

A letter was received from the Undersecretary for Crown Lands with reference to the request of the Patea County Council that section z, block 9, Momahaki, be reserved for forest conservation. —Resolved not to approve tlio request, but to re-offer the section for re-selection as soon as possible. The Crown Lands Ranger recommended that tenders bo called. for the grazing of the felled and grassed portions (about 170 acres) of sections 2,3, 5,6, 7. 9. 12. 13 and 14, block 12, Mangonui (Gladstone block); terms, year to year, upset annual rental, 2s 6d per acre per annum.—Resolved that the suggestion bo approved, the grazing to be offered in two locs.

EF.is and. Burnand wrote, renewing their request to be allowed to purchase the proposed mill site near Piriaka for cash at public auction. —Resolved to adhere to the previous decision. A report was received from the Crown. Lands Ranger re Mrs E. J. Old’s application to lease sections 9 to 13 (inclusive), block 5, Pukeokahu, containing twenty-two acres altogether.—lt was resolved to approve of a three years’ lease to Mrs Old. ait a rental of <£2 4s per annum. B. Johns wrote with reference to the payments of rental in arrears on his section, 22. block 4, Mount 'Cerberus. — Resolved to inform Mr Johns that ha is under a misapprehension, and. to inform him of the real position. The Commissioner reported that Mrs B. Cartier had not paid the arrears of rental on section 24, block 7, Tiriraukawa, as proposed by Mr Cartier on October 29ch last, nor was she residing on the section. —It was resolved to call upon her to show cause whv her interest in the section should not be declared forfeit for non-payment of rental. . It was decided to declare G. Duff s interest in sections 10 and 38, block 1, Tokaanu Native Tmvnsliip, forfeited for non-payment of rent. With refrence to the non-residenee oi Mr R. B. Hammond, licensee of section 1, block 13, Hautapu, it was resolved to take no further action, the time of residence having expired. O. J. H. Vette applied for twelve months’ exemption from residence on section 37, Tailnape Village Settlement.. —Resolved to grant three months' time, and to obtain a report from the ranger at the end of that time as to liow applicant had progressed. With reference to the non-residence of John Egan on section 1 block 2, Tararua, it was resolved to inform Mr Egan that the only way in which he could now obtain a transfer would be by making a statutory declaration of inability to do further improvements. L. Falconer wrote, claiming exemption from further residence on section 14, block 3, Makuri, and it was resolved that he should comply with residence condition®, or take in another eligible partner who would reside. The matter of A. Wills’s 11011-residence on part 1 of section 11, block 14, Mangaliao, was held over until next meeting. T. 9. Haigh wrote, stating the steps lie was taking to comply with the conditions on section 25, block 10, Hautapu, and it was resolved to accept his proposals for the present. With reference to C. Searie s non-com-pliance with the conditions as to improvements on section 8, block 10, Umutoi, it was resolved to call liis attention to his non-convpiliaace with the Board’s previous resolution re improvements on this section. . , „ ~ W. Timmins applied for exemption from residence ;on section 24., . block 10, fSeSi<Ts“uon 75. block 11 TtpTinoni is to be called upon to explain to the Board .at next meeting his failure to. comply with ■ residence conditions.

A report was received from: the Grown Lands Ranger on Z. Boy den’s ■ n o n-r evidence on section 161, Makuri Village Settlement. —• It was resolved to hold the matter over for the Board to visit the section.

F. G. Richards wrote, with reference to has taking in Mr Douglass's stock to graze on section 280, part 2, of, block 11. Wainuioru. —Resolved to taka no further aictifon. Applicant was given permission to take bis father as a partner in the section. j T. C. Revell wrote 'with reference to his non-residence on section 17, block 3, Tirirankawa, and it was resolved that he should arrange to build and reside permanently as speedily as possible.

It was resolved to accept residence _by D. H. Guthrie on the late Mrs Guthrie’s land (alongside section 7, block 15, Hautapu) as sufficient as long os it continues bona fide and continuous. R. J. Dixon is to be called upon to show cause why liis interest in section 7, block 11, Hautapu, should not be forfeited for non-compliance with residence conditions, and non-payment of rent. The interest of Managh and Schwaisg in section 13, block 5, Hautapu, was declared forfeited for non-compliance with rental, residence and improvement conditions.

An anonymous letter was received with reference to the alleged non-residence of a settler on his section. Mr Reese moved, and Mr Robinson seconded, that it be an instruction to the Commissioner that anonymous letters be not dealt with and that‘the letter in question be removed from the file. J. 11. G. Duffy was given three months time in which to shift a house on to his section (51, block 10. Rewa). It was resolved to proceed with the forfeiture of J. H. Taplin’s interest in section 1, block 15. Mangapeka (Longdale settlement) as he had not supplied proof that he would reside at once on the land if the forfeiture were rescinded.

The Commissioner reported that W. Rae, lessee of section 28. Mataroa Village Settlement, had left the district.—Resolved to call upon him to show cause whv his interest should nob be forfeited. The case of Mrs Burton was reconsidered in regard to residence on section 15, Ralranui Village Settlement, and it was resolved to exempt her from residence to date, and to approve her application for a transfer, provided transferee takes up residence immediately transfer shall be completed. It ivas resolved to inform J. H. Theobold that unless he erects a habitable house on section 4, and part 9, of block 9, Pukeokabu, and resides thereon within three months’ time at the latest, tlie forfeiture of his interest will be proceeded with. This concession is final. P J. Theobold is to be called on to show cause why his interest in sections 10 and 13, block 9, Pakeokaliu, should not be forfeited for non-compliance with the regulations. . The following forfeitures were rescinded,' the conditions having been complied withll Thomas, section 11, block 2, Mt. Cerberus; N. Sorensen, section 12, block 10, Aohanga; J. Robb, section 73, block 3, Hautapu. It was reported that F. Neilsen had refused to sign the lease of section 1, block 16, Tauakira, and it was resolved to; declare his interest in the section forfeited, as ivell as the deposit. With reference to the alleged non-resi-dence of T. A. Munro on his section, it was decided that no action be taken, the period of residence having expired. The Commissioner submitted proposals and plans for offering sections m the Taonui-iviaraetaua block for disposal. Resolved to approve the plans, proposals and prices; also that the sections be orfered. under Part 3 of tlie Act ot loyJ, as second-class land.