OTAGO SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2104, 21 June 1894, Page 13

OTAGO SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS.

The ordinary meeting of the Otago School Commissioners, held on Tuesday, was attended by Messrs J. P. Maitland (chairman), J. Walker Bain, James Green, M.H.R., W. Dallas, and Alfred Baldey.

A letter was received from the Education department stating that the Minister for Education did not see his way to seek parliamentary authority enabling the commissioners to grant subsidies to existing public libraries. — Noted.

An application was received from Mr John Bruce, lessee of sections 19, and 26, block V, MauDgatua district, for reduction of rent. — I fc was dtcided to adhere to the former resolution of the commissioners in the matter — viz , to offer to accept surrender.

An application was received from Mr H. Pemble to purchase or lease a small piece of land contiguous to section 11, block XI, Greenvale. — The commissioners decided to inform the applicant that they could not comply with his request, as the land in question was part of the road.

Sir J. L. M 'Donald submitted his report, which was dealt with ap follows : —

Reporting on the application of the lessee of sections 1 and 2, block V, Wendonside, asking for time to pay arrears of rent. — The application was granted on condition that the amount was paid after the next harvest, interest at 5 per cent, to be charged meanwhile upon all rent actually in arrear.

Reporting that Mr Thomas Edmonds, lessee of section 9, block IV, Wendon (Waiparu village), died intestate. —Mr M 'Donald was authorised to re-enter into possession and advertise the section for lease.

Stating that Mr W. M'lvor, who holds a right to mine for lignite on run 254b from the commissioners, had paid his current year's rent to the warden instead of to the commissioners. — Mr M'lvor to be informed that he must pay to the commissioners in future, and also that he be asked to forward a copy of the receipt of the amount he had paid to the warden.

ForwardiDg a list of the names of those tenants in arrears and who had been informed that proceedings would be taken for recovery oE the amounts that had not been paid before the 31st of last month. — The agent was instructed to take immediate proceedings against those who had not replied to his application for payment.

Forwarding list of unoccupied lands in blocks 111 and IV, Wendonside, and suggesting that they be grouped into four lots, ranging from 399 acres to 968, and offered for a short term as grazing lease, valuation to be allowed for boundary fences erected on survey lines. — Suggestion approved. Suggesting that the area of 60 acres formerly taken from sectiou 7, block IX, Waikaia district, be reincluded with the section when it is reoffered for lease.— Suggestion approved.

Reporting on river reserve opposite section 9 and part of section 10, block IX, Waikaia, about 30 acres. — Messrs Baiu and Baldey were requested to arrange with Mr M 'Donald to have; the area in question offered for lease. On Mr M 'Donald's recommendation it was decided to reduce the upset of section 9, block; X, Wyndham, to 7 id per acre, and to offer it for lease by auction. Stating that it would be necessary to take steps to poison rabbits <fa section 9, block X, Wyndham, and on vacant sections in blocks 111 and IV, Wendonside.

Reporting on a letter from the trustees in the estate of the lato H. G. Kingsland, and stating that he did not sco his way to take the responsibility of making arrangements for the renewal of the lease of section 2, block LXII, town of Invercargill, as suggested. — On the motion of Mr Baldky, it waa resolved that the secretary be instructed to give, effect to the revious resolution on the subiect. '

p A letter was read from the Secretary &f Crown Lands to the effect that the Hon. the. Minister for Lands would endeavour to obtain, legislation asked for by the commisaioiaera empowering them to limit the areas of lease* holds, and stating further that should the commissioners see fit to recommeud that the reserves be made subject to the provisions of section 243, &c, of "The Land Act 1892," there would be ample powers to effect the object which they desired to obtain. — Noted. Leave of absence was granted -to Mr James Green, M.H.R., duricg the session of Parliament.

Accounts amounting to £35 8s 6d were, passed for payment.