THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SCANDAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2356, 20 April 1899, Page 28

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SCANDAL.

WELLINGTON, April 17.

I When the case against Captain Jones ' came on Mr Gully moved for an interim injunction restraining the use of the master's certificate granted w> Jones. Mr Gray, for the defence, said he had agreed to this course. Justice Denniston asked what was to be done about the mam action. .He objected to hear the two together. They must be kept separate. Counsel conferred, and ultimately it was announced that they would go on with the main -action, for which purpo&e the court adjourned till Thursday.

OTAGO SCHOOL COMMIinSIONEES. The regular monthly meeting of the Otago School Commissioners was held in the Commissioners' Office on Monday, wheu there were present: — Messrs J. P. Maitland (chairman), T. MacC4ibbon, A. Balriey, James Green, aud % Wm. Dallas. A letter was received from J. Rutherford, lessee of sections 9 and 2,'block'n, Inchclutha, to the effect that it will not suit him to terminate his lease on May 1, next. — Receipt of letter noted. An application was received from D. M'Gillivray, lessee of section 14-, block IV, and section 4, block "X., Waihola, for a reduction of rent. — The commissioners declined to accede to the request. ' ' * Mr R. "W. Hall (of Invercargill) wrote on behalf of Garvey Bros., perpotual lessees of section 75, block I, Weudonside, applying for leave to acquire the freehold of his holding. — The applicant was referred to the Southland Land Boaid, the sections being under the jurisdiction of that body. Mr J. L. M'Donald's monthly report was received, and the matters referred to therein were dealt with as follows: — (1) Reporting on Gall and Paterson's statement' re hydraulic sluicing on section 69, blodk I, and sections 8, 9, and 10, block 11, "Waikaia. — Consideration deferred, with the view of ascertaining whether the parties to the sluicing have authority from the -warden. (2) Returning application from Mr W. F. Inder, on behalf of A. Gall, for consent to transfer his interest in lease of sections 8, 9, and 10, block 111, Waikaia, to J. A. Gall; and stating that he sees no objection to the transfer. — Transfer of lease consented to on the usual conditions. (3) Returning the application of Mr F. "W. Inder, en behalf of E. Radford, for a license to raise lignite on section 5, block XIV, Wendon. — It was decided to inform the applicant that the right to raise lignite on the section referred to is held by the lessees of the section, and also to send an objection to the Warden's Court, Waikaia, to granting the license. (4) Forwarding the application from P. M'Gee, lessee of section 2, and of 105, Taringatura, for the reduction of rent. — It was decided that the commissioners cannot see their way to reduce the rent, but they would send a form of application to surrender to Mr 31' Gee. on return of which they would be prepared to accept a surrender, and reoffer the land for lease at an upset of 3s per acre. (5) Forwarding an application from Geo. Beer to lease sections J, 2. Z>, 4; 10, 11, 12, and 13, block VI, South Mossbum; and sections 1, 2, and 3, block IV, same township, 10 acres 16 poles. :it 4s per acre^on yearly lease, and recommending that the application be granted. — Agreed to. (6) Stating that a great number of tenants have taken no notice of circular which he sent them recently in reference to arrears. — It was resolved that in the case of any lessee, to whom a red circular was sent, not paying up arrears of rent by May 15, immediate steps should be taken for the recovery of arrears. (7) Forwarding an application from J. -Xi. M'Watson for consent to transfer lease of section 13, block 11, Aparima Hundred, from Robert Cupples to A. B. and, J. Drabble. — Transfer approved of upon the usual conditions.

A petition was received from 13 tenants on sections on block V, Wendonside district, to have revaluation made of their ronts, with a view to reducing them. — A report was also received from Mr Macclonald on the subject. — It was resolved that the petitioners bo informed that the commissioners rannot consider the prayer of the petition until the arrears of rent are paid, but that when the arrears are paid, the commissioners will consider the question of surrender with a view to relief where necessary. The transfer of tho lease of section 1, block X, township of Outran^ from T. G. Turpin to Geo. M'Magorin, was consented to on the usual conditions. , Accounts amounting to £36 4s lOd were passed for payment. This concluded the business.