The Waikaia School Reserves.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 11

The Waikaia School Reserves.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— As the- Waikaia educational endowment has been considerably before tht: public of late, I would like, through the medium of your paper, to say a few words on the subject. The School Commissioners f-eem to bo quite indignant afc the manner in which the Premier spoke to the chairman! and secretary when they waited on him in> Dnnedin. It seems strange how ready they were to promise anything and give anything if they only had the power. It is to be hoped their promises will be fulfilled. Mr Macandrew stated that out of 800 ienante only 10 or 12 were discontented. Well, I could name twice that number in . this district alone, and I doubt if there is one» that would not willingly jxchange for leapo from the Crown. Certainly they do not iomplain much, as it pays to be civil. To let the .statement made by Mr Borrie pasa unnoticed would lead the public to think | that the deputation who waited on the. i Minister of Public Works at Waikaia knownothing of what was happening in the district. If all the commissioners know eo> little of how the reserves are administered! as Mr Borrie does, it is time some inquiry was maVle. Mr Borrie stated that the 3000acre block referred, to (I suppose he meana by the deputation to Mr Hall-Jones) has been held by nine lenants for the last 14years. Is it news to Mr Borrie that the), block has been held by one corporation; not for 11 years, but for over 20 year 3? Certainly jome of the sections were held under pastoral license till about 14- years ago. The balance of ihe lands offered and hekl by the other eight tenants were notl in the same block, and some of them, were not in the same district. I may say that' I believe the eomnany paid full value fon this land (block VII, Waikaia district}! This block is now held by eight different tenants, thanks to the £tand taken by the Premier and the attention given to the deputation at Waikaia by the Hon. Mr Hall-Jones. Now, ac the commissioner* court an inquiry info their management, the best thing for all concerned would be to hold one, as it is imperative to have fresh legislation, dealing with those reserves* — I am. etc* ~~ ■Liberal