MOUNTAINS OR MOLEHILLS?

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5288, 28 May 1904, Page 7

MOUNTAINS OR MOLEHILLS?

ILLS OF CROWN TENANTS. DISCUSSION BY THE W ELLINGTON LAND BOATiD. Some comments derogatory to the Wellington Lund Board were madc_ at the Provincial Coulct'cuco of llio i armor:;’ Union, held at Alastcrton Ibis week. Mr A. 11. Atkinson, of Foilding, was particularly strong in his condemnation of the Hoard, assorting that in hack country the Wellington Board was by no menus popular, and Unit proof o: dm fact was not difficult, to find. As an illustration, -Mr Atkinson said that ho liiniselt, while on a trip to tho Jlactihi district, had observed a notice-board on which appeared tho words:—"Tho conditions ol bush life are cruel, but not so cruel as the Wellington Land Board.” That was apropos of tho ca.se of a selector who had fallen upon hard times, and could not keep up his payments, as the result of which ho was given tho alternative hy the Hoard of meeting lus obligations or forfeiting his . riding. Uo (Mr Atkinson) behoved tho settler forfeited his land. Tim Land Board at its mooting yesterday discussed the matter, and the following motion, moved by Mr T. H. Kobinson, anil seconded by air A. lie esc, was unanimously passed: "That tho Hoard is not conscious of any genuine cases of hardship among tho sett loin which tho Board has power to redress or alleviate and lias not dono so; but if Air Atkinson will supply specific details of the respective settlors rclcrml to, and the grievances, tho Loaid will go carefully into ouch individua case on its merits, and it necessary will hold nicotines in the districts concerned; at which Mr Atkinson, the Grown tenants referred to, and any other sottlcrs desirous of attending, may bo present at the inquiry.” . In a discussion on the resolution, Mi Roomo said it had seemed to him lor some time past that tlio Board did not go into the hackblocks sufficiently often to meet tin: requirements of tho scttleis. Ho was satisfied that if the Board went oftonor, the result wonld.be hotter, and a lot of misunderstandings would ho cleared away. The Board’s last trip through tho WTiirarapa and contiguous districts was a proof of that. The Board mot many of its tenants, and thoy_ were all glad to see tho Board and discuss grievances. (Mr Robinson: ‘‘Some of thorn e-amo like lions and wout away like lambs.”) It was a fact that their grievances woro dissipated. ■ One sottlcrs case was specifically mentioned by Mr Roosc, who said that the settler, when ho left tho speaker, after having discussed tho trouble, was delighted to find he had misunderstood tho position. Ho wont, away “as docile as n rabbit.” Mr Robinson said there were Settlors in his part of tho district (Taihape) who had a lot to put lip with. Ho behoved there woro grievances that required investigation, and ho was sure if tho Board was To moot the settlors, tho effect would ho a mutual understanding that would bo satisfactory. Tho Commissioner of Crown Lands expressed the opinion that visits to aggrieved settlers would .do much good. What scorned to bn big grievances often disappeared when personal investigation was made by tho Board. That was proved almost conclusively by tho Board’s last, trip: scarcely any of those who interviewed the Board went away disa.MisSud: The only exception was aMr Waterman —and ho was dissatisfied on u rr.ro ground. . Ho complained because tho Board did not more strictly enforce residence requirements of tlio Act; that ho was compelled to reside on his section and bis noighonrs. up to date of his complaint, had got off. That complainant was for stricter administration of tho Act, tmt tho complaint of tho Farmers’ Union delegates seemed to be on other linos.