Marlborough Land Board.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 21, 16 March 1897, Page 2

Marlborough Land Board.

The ordinary monthly meeting of tins Board was held at the Land Office, Blenheim, pn Monday and Tuesday last. Present—'The Commissioner of Grown Lands (Mr C. W. Adams), Messrs Mills, Parsons and Rid wood. Referring to the resolution passed on the 18th January, relative to the re-consideration of the agreement with MrW. Smith for exchanges of land, and to which no reply has yet been received, it was resolved k that Mr Smith’s request, to be allowed to purchase at the southern end instead of the northern end be acceded to, subject to the approval of the Land Purchase Board. It was resolved that in the opinion of the Board a clause should be added to the Land Act empowering the Board to make arrangements with Crown tenants to sow grasses, trees and foliage plants, &c., on Crown lands, and to make certain rebates in the rents of such tenants accordingly, with a view to the continual improvement of the Crown lands. A memo, was received from the Surveyor General, stating that it is not considered expedient to allow Mr Neave to purchase the 650 acres applied for him at Cape Lambert. He may, however, purchase the block of 20 acres applied for.—The Board resolved that as it does not consider the 650 acres worth retaining for scenio purposes, it is still of opinion that Mr Neave’s application#? sanctioned. The Surveyor-General also wrote stating that the law dpe| not permit of the Marlborough runs: being burdened with valuation for fencing erected by the present tenants. On the expiry of the Crown lease all improvements revert to the Crown. Mr E. Barker, on behalf of the Wairau Valley Association, wrote asking if the Association would have the privilege of having a block of land on the North Bank set apart for disposal

amongst its members.—The Board resolved to reply that it cannot grant any special privileges except to a special Settlement Association, but that the land will be surveyed at an early date, and then opened for application. Mr J. Hughes applied for 200 acres at the back of sections 11,12, and 14, Pelorus Valley.—lt was resolved to have the land offered under lease in perpetuity after survey. A memo, was received from the Surveyor-General, stating that the land at present held by Messrs Brownlee and 00. under a timber license is a State forest, and before this land can be opened for settlement the State forest reservation must be removed.— Resolved that in the opinion of the Board it is desirable, in the interests of settlement, that the land toques tion should be removed from the State forest reservation. Mr J. Oonolly wrote on behalf of Mr T., Watson, claiming a refund of the rent paid by him for run No. B. Postponed till next meeting, enquiries to be made as to who is the person entitled to the refund.