SOUTHLAND LAND BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 4

SOUTHLAND LAND BOARD.

The ordinary meeting, held on Tuesday, June 12, was attended by> the Chief Commissioner (Mr G. W. Williams), and Messrs Cowan, Kinross, and M'lntyre.

Mr Henderson appeared oa behalf of William Saunders, Mrs Saunders, and William Saunders, jun., who applied to transfer their sections in Hodgkinson township to J. Smith, Mrs Smith, and, Mrs Henderson. Mr Henderson said his clients were former residents of Otautau, but now resided in Invercargill, and as they had spent a considerable amount in improving the land it seemed but fair that the request should be granted. — The Chairman said the transactions in connection with these holdings were rather unsatisfactory, and he thought it would be better for the board to ascertain for themselves what improvements had been effected. — Mr Kinross understood that when the sections were granted a family would reside on each holding. — On the recommendation of the Chairman it was decided that the ranger report on the improvements.

C. Basstian, sen:, waited upon the board and asked why his lease of section 6, block V, Centre Hill, had been re-opened for discussion. The board had granted him the land over six months ago, and it appeared to him that because he had always taken up an independent position in regard to these matters the Commissioner was endeavouring to do him an injustice. He wished to know when there would be a finale to. the question. — The Chairman said it was optional for the head office to at any time inquire into land grants, and no doubt representation was made to them on this occasion. Mr Basstian had received no notification from the board that any change t would be made in regard to his grant, and there was no necessity of his appearing before them in the meantime. — Mr Kinross thought that when the board passed the resolution in regard to this matter it was understood that the local department would , notify the head, office that it was subject to the approval of the Minister.

The following applications to complete purchases were approved : — Thomas M'Lean, section 64, Wairaki ; Robert Thompson, section 7, block IV, Daniel(<pwn ; Antonio Rizzi, section 69, block XIX, Invercargill Hundred ; P. Murphy, • auction 214, Taringatura ; J. W. Gedney, section 9, block V, Makarewa ; Geo. Ranee, c section 16, block VII, Waimatuku ; Thos. Graham, section 6, block 111, Wendon. James M'Colgan applied for a transfer of section 18, block VII, Waikawa, from Bridget Curbine to himself. The applicant stated that the former occupier had removed to Oamaru, and wad anxious he should acquire the land. — . The Chairman said that although it was contrary to the act to grant the request it would be much more beneficial to the country to immediately comply with the. application.— It was decided that M'Colgan be accepted as occupier as a matter- of- expediency, and that the matter be laid before the Minister for Lands for approval.

Matthew Hawthorn applied to transfer section 55, Wairio district, under the will of Janeb Birrell. — Approved.

F. F. Twemlow applied to transfer sections 9 and 10, block 111, Seaward Bush, to Charles Nichol. — Approved on condition that all arrears are paid.

Margaret Johnston applied to transfer section 16, block XV, and section 9, block XVI, to W. J. Johnston.— Granted.

John Wood applied to exchange his perpetual lease of section 20, block XIV, Waikawa, for a lease in perpetuity. — Approved, subject to all conditions being complied with.

E. Hill applied to acquire the freehold of section 17, Hodgkinson. — Approved. John Wilson applied tor a reduction of rent of section 17, block XVI, New River Hundred. — Section to be put np for auction, with value of improvements added.

E. Henderson wrote withdrawing her application for waste land opposite section XXXIX, Hodgkinson Village. — Received.

George Hannah applied for a longer lease of section 47, block 111, Tuturau, at present held under annual license. — To be informed that the board doea not see its way to grant any other lease.

William Tulloch applied for a grazing right over section 15, block V, Centre Hill, offering 6d per acre. — To be submitted to auction. S. and C. Clare applied to transfer their grazing right over sections 1 to 25, block XV, sections 5 and 6, blook X, and sections 10 »nc|-

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41, block XI, Campbelltown Hundred, to Jessie Williams.— Granted.

The Wyndham Road Board wrote asking to allow the deferred payment thirds on section 58, block 111, Wyndham, to accrue for the present. — Received*

The Wallace County Council forwarded a list of unpaid rates for collection. — Defaulters to be informed that unless their rates are paid their sections are liable to forfeiture.

C. and C. R. Gould wrote asking for extension of time to pay arrears. — To be paid within 30 days. C. G. Thurston wrote re notice of forfeiture of his section, and asked for valuation for improvements. — Ranger instructed accordingly. Thomas O'Brien applied for 33£ acres lying between Woodend township and Bluff road.— To be recommended for cash sale, being unsuitable for residence. . John Nicoll applied for a reduction of valuation on sections 15 and 16, block XI, Wendonside, to £30.— Ranger to make re-valuation. Thomas Soper wrote in reference to his application for land near Garston that he was desirous of taking it up on lease in, perpetuity. — Received.

Charles Bates wrote offering the upset price for balance of sections 7 and 9, block IV, Aparima Hundred. — Declined. The Chairman stated that a ballot waß taken for land in the Wairio district, C. Bates being successful, but he had not paid the survey fees. He had therefore notified H. Moff ett (the other applicant) that the land would fee granted him on payment of the necessary expenses.— Action approved. The New Zealand Pine Company wrote stating that they were not willing to abandon land required by the board. — Received. A. M'Clure, on behalf of the English Church Committee, applied for a reduction in price of sections 21 and 24-, Obara township.— To be reduced to £20 per acre. a The Chief Commissioner remarked that the board had exercised great forbearance in regard to J. B. Basstian's land at Centre Hill, and he thought some definite action should bs taken in the matter. Several letters had been sent to Mr Basstian in reference to fencing the land, but he had made many excuses, and lately failed to even answer the letters.— lt was decided that the matter be placed in the bands of the Crown Solicitor.