THE WASTE LAND BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 366, 4 December 1858, Page 5

THE WASTE LAND BOARD.

It is with extreme regret we find that the new Board fails to realize our own and the public expectations of their efficiency. The old Board fell, through their incompetency to deal with the questions before them, the irregularity, uncertainly, and undignified character of thdr proceedings. The new Board isi avoiding Scylla have fallen into Charybclis, and by their arrogant assumption of powers they possess not, and by their secret proceedings, ex cathedra judgments, and obstructive official formality, bid fair to render themselves as obnoxious as their predecessors. The Board has no doubt a difficult part to play, and cannot be expected to please every one ; and were they to adhere to the spirit

of the Regulations, we would not readily blame them for not pleasing all parties who came before them. But our duty to the public will not permit us to pass over in silence the recent proceedings of the Board, by which they endeavour by means of secret consultations to evade the wholesome check of public opinion. The Land Regulations, by clauses 36, 37, 38, 40, and 41, make provision so far as it can be made by enactment, for securing the utmost possible publicity to the whole proceedings of the Board. Notwithstanding these provisions the Board have adopted a system of hearing the statements of parties, then nominally adjourning consideration, but in reality consulting privately and coming to their decision, and then at a future time simply announcing the decision of the Board previously arrived at in secret. By this method the whole proceedings of the Board, except their decisions, are virtually kept secret from the parties and the public ; the grounds of their decisions and the views of the various members are unknown ; and the open, straightforward, and aboveboard course evidently contemplated by the Regulations, is, by the subterfuge of an adjournment, evaded. !

We tell the Board that the public will not submit to be robbed of their rights by by such hole-and-corner methods. If the members have not the courage to let their opinions and consultations be openly heard, they are unfit for the position they hold. Diplomatic secrecy and secret diplomacy should have no place at such a Board ; and we do trust that the remonstrance thus made in a most friendly spirit towards the members individually may have the effect of inducing them to alter their most improper course. If not, more decided steps must and will be taken to teach the Board that they are not supreme ; that they are merely administrators, not legislators.