OTAGO LAND BOARD ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21932, 19 April 1933, Page 8

OTAGO LAND BOARD ELECTION

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I consider it is a pity that several settlers are contesting for the seat of tenants’ representative on the Land Board as by so doing they are making the position safe for the sitting member. I do not know any of the new candidates, but the first man out and one suggested by the tenants is Mr Aubrey who, I understand, is an active, practical young man, and should have been allowed to contest the seat. With three new men in the field, however, the contest should T be a walk-over for Mr Livingston. Not that he is likely to do any harm, but I consider we should have a progressive young man, who should be a pastoral man as there are already three agricultural men on tbe board. It has been said that tbe sitting member is himself a Crown tenant or lessee. Now, this is not correct. Many years ago, I believe, he did hold a leasehold from the Crown, but this was sold. Later he had a small freehold allotment near Windsor, but ultimately moved to live in Oamaru in retirement. I am surprised be has not corrected these statements as be must have seen them. I am not so sure we are entitled to a special representative on the as we do not appreciate the privilege. Tenants will not trouble to vote. The Lauds Department forwards voting papers and encloses addressed envelopes to 4000, or there about, of the tenants at every com tested election, but not more than 35 per cent. —perhaps not that —will walk a few hundred yards or a few feet to post their voting paper. Many, I know, do not even bother to open the letter but just throw it aside. If they would vote, things would, I am sure, be different. I notice up north that the tenants associations propose agitating to have two representatives. I would suggest that there should be no special representatives and that the board should be run by two experienced men, one acquainted with pastoral and one with agricultural country, and that tbe commissioner of Crown Lands or, in his absence, the chief clerk, should act as chairman. If this proposal were carried out I am sure that a large sum would he saved every year and the business would be more satisfactorily carried out. I look upon the board as at present constituted as a confirming machine. The business seems to be prepared by the chief clerk and commissioner, the schedule is compiled, and all the members have to do is to hold up their pencils.—l am, etc., Lessee.