Forfeited Deposits.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 365, 21 January 1890, Page 2

Forfeited Deposits.

At the last meeting of the Hawke's Bay Land Board, tha Uuder-Secrelary for Crown Lands intimated that the Minister of Lands hud decided to withdraw section 1, block XIV, WoodviUe, from sale, under section 103, Land Act, 1885, to olfer it for sale at auction three months afterwards; also, that deposits made by persons who are ineligible as selectors should be ferfeited.

Mr Dickey interviewed the Board, aud explained when he made his application he didn't wouder whether he was eligible or not in any way. He held 72 acres, and the application form stated that a selector might hold up to 640 acres. He applied for the section for his own sole use and benefit, to make a home on it. He did not know at the time that he was ineligible, lie asked that his deposit might be returned to him.

The Chairman said if Mr Dickey applied for the section w ith the full idea of settling on it and not for s)ieculatiie purposes, he sympathised with him in having to lose his deposit. At the same time ills instructions from the Minister of Lauds were quite clear. Mr Dickey said if the Board forfeited his deposit of £44 5s 3d it would make a man bankrupt straight away, it had been his honest intention to make a home ou the land.

Col Herrick thought they might make a recommendation to the Government, instancing particular cases where it would be extreme hardship to forfeit the deposit. The Chairman said similar requests would come if they made an exception, and who was to deny applicants that their intention was not to take up the land in good faith. Tho ruling of the Minister was to put a stop to speculation. Mr Hall said the Minister could not take the powers of the Board aw ay. Surely they could deal with the deposits in whatever way they decided ? Messrs l’eebles and Scally also protested against their deposits being forfeited in connection with section J, block XIV., WoodviUe.

The Chairman said all this trouble would have been avoided if there hadn't been such barefaced dummyism attempted. Mr Hall said the dummyism had dune good, as through this the matter was thoroughly ventilated. He moved that all the dejiosit* be returned. Colonel Herrick moved an amendment. That in only thus* cases laid before the Board the deposits be returned, the Board having heard the recommendation from the Government. Mr Hall withdrew hit motion in favor of the amendment, which was carried. Mr Hall then moved. That on application all deposits in connection with section 1, block XIV., be returned. The Chairman was not prepared to enp. port such a motion in the face of the Minister's ruling. There was no seconder. Colonel Herrick said he would support the motion if it was added that in the other cases, on disqualified applicant* showing good cause, the deposit* be among those recommended to be banded over.

Mr Hall consented to this, and the motion was carried.—Telegraph.