West Coast Reserves Leases.

Opunake Times, Volume V, Issue 221, 16 October 1896, Page 3

West Coast Reserves Leases.

The following lettor appears in the Hawora Siar, and as MrGodsalis the appointed by the Otakeho leaseholders, we republish it lor the information of members of the League '. — Being in Wellington on other business I took the opportunity a few days ago of interviewing the Public Trustee, Mr Martin, respecting the West Coast leases question, and I was staggered to find that as regards paying half cost of fences he had been advised by his counsel, Mr Stafford, that he had no power to do so. This, by the way, is rather opposed to reports current throughout the district that various settlers hsd been paid under last year's Fenoing Act. Leaving the Trustee I went straight to Mr McGuire at the House, and he at once took up the matter with his customary energy and knowledge of affairs. We went through the Fencing Act together, and he agreed with me that it was impossible to put any other construction upon it than that the Trustee was liable to pay half cost. Next day I saw Mr McGuire again, and he said, " I read the Act again after seeing you, and being able to come to no other conclusion than that we arrived at before, I went down to see the Trustee. I then elicited the fact that it is under the terms of the lease and not under the Fencing Act that the Trustee is bound to refuse payment." Mr McGuire and I then considered the possibility of getting an amending clause into the Fencing Act now before the House, and Mr Hutchison kindly offered to help us in the matter. But, at Mr McGuire's suggestion. I have this morning seen the Trustee again with a view to ascertain whether he would oppose such legislation, which he has declared, to me he must do this session as he is not sufficiently conversant yet with the whole matter. Let me add that the new Public Trustee gives one a most favorable impression. He is an enlightened, courteous gentleman in the proper meaning of that term, viz., a considerate, sympathetic man. He forcibly reminded me of some'English landlords I know, who look upon property as a sacred trust to be administered in the best interests of all concerned. He said, " I don't believe in corresponding with a man. I want to get face to face with him that I may know him and his grievances and I am sending my deputy, Mr Duncan, and Mr Fisher to Hawera about 12ih November to meet lessees. I will let Mr McGuire and you know the exact date." I undertook to make the date generally known. In reply to my suggestion that he should come himself, he said, •• I scarcely know anything of the West Coast Reserves, and Mr Duncan's report, as he is posted up in the whole matter, will carry much more weight with me than my own inexperienced judgment would. I wish to be just to settlers because I believe it to be in the best interests of my trust, and any legislation to remove leal grievances (if any) will have my support."—l am, etc , Edwabd H. Godsal, Wellington, October 12.