WASTE LANDS BOARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 6816, 24 February 1883, Page 2

WASTE LANDS BOARD.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Waste Lands Board was held on Thursday, Present—Messrs J. G. Holdaworth (chairman and commissioner), H. Bunny, T. Mason, G. Beetham, and W. W. Taylor. The schedule of lands disposed of since the previous meeting showing that 3737 acres 1 rood 2 perches had been sold at the upset price of £2553 ss, was laid on the table, and adopted. The Chair, man reported the result of the land sale recently held at Maatertou, Messrs P. Hanson, and E. Nelson, Mangahao Block, and H. A. Wilson, Mangaone Block, having fallen in arrear with payments on the deferred-payment sections held by them, it was resolved to cancel their licenses. It was resolved to advertise the thirty-two sections which had not been disposed of at Masterton tor sale in the ordinary way. The Chairman read the following letter from the mayor on the subject of reserving section 94, Wainuiomata district, for the purposes of the Corporation of Wellington :—“ To the Commissioner of Crown Lands.—Dear Sir, —In reference to my communication of Wednesday last, the 7tb instant, I wish it to be understood that the Corporation is perfectly willing to repay any sum that may have been advanced in connection with the applieation to purchase section 94, Wainuiomata district, together with interest at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum. Will you kindly lay this letter before the Waste Lands Board at its next meeting ? I have the honor, &c.— Geo. Fisher, Wellington, February 9.” The following is the surveyor’s report on the land :—“ Sir, —In reply to your memo, (number and date as per margin) I have the honor to report as follows on section 94, Wainuiomata, containing 666 acres :—The whole of the section lies on a steep siding, and is covered for the moat part with mixed bush of good quality, and would be suitable for grazing if cleared, as the soil is good. The sawing timber on the section consists of rimu and white pine, with a small quantity of totara, all lying within easy access of tb* Messrs Sinclair’s tramway. Speaking generally, there is little or no level land on the section.—l have, &c., James McKenzie (for Chief Surveyor).” The Chairman explained that the land in question did not possess either water or road frontage, but simply formed a back line to land previously selected by Messrs Sinclair. Mr Bunny suggested that the land might be withdrawn, provided it was not included in Messrs Sinclair’s estate, and there was no mortgage on it. Mr Mason and Mr Beetham did not think that it was the duty of the board to inquire into private matters, the latter suggesting that the corporation might take the land under the Public Works Act. On the motion of Mr Mason, seconded by Mr Taylor, it was resolved that Messrs Sinclair’s application, as registered, be confirmed, Mr Bunuy being the only dissentient.