WASTE LANDS BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 2337, 1 September 1875, Page 2

WASTE LANDS BOARD.

The Board met on Monday last. Present: The Commissioner of Waste Lands, Messrs. Crompton, Standish, and Syme.

The Cliairmarts Position. — On the minutes of the last meeting being read, nnd the name of the Commissioner being found as moving a resolution, Mr. Standish Baid he thought it would be desirable if the position of the Chairman was defined as to whether he should have power to move and second resolutions. — Mr. Cuompton did not think it would be advisable for the Chairman to have that po'A-er. — Mr. Syme was of tho same opinion. So it was decided that the Chairman's powers should be confined to his giving his own and a casting vote.

Another Complaint against the Surveyors. — The Chairman said that a Mr. Hackett, who hud a section on deferred payment, had complained to him of his not having the tie line of his laud given him correctly. Mr. Hackett, it appears, had asked one of the surveyors to go and show it to him. The surveyor promised to do so, but some time elapsed, when application was again made, and he was told that the stream was the boundary of his section. He accordingly commenced to fall the bush, but afterwards a surveyor came, aud then he was told that he had been clearing land that was not his own. He had done some £3 worth of work on another man's land, and wanted to know how he should get paid for it. — Mr. Crompton said he thought the Board should see Mr. Hackett paid, and if the owner refused, the surveyor who had given the wrong information should be made to refund tho money. — Mr. Standish said if tho case was as stated Mr. Hackett was certainly entitled to be compensated for the work done. — Mr.. Syme thought they should hear the surveyor's account of it before they did anything. — The Chairman was then requested to bring the matter to the notice of the Deputy Superintendent officially, and request him to enquire into the matter. More Surveyors for tlus Province. — Mr. Standish stated that he had communicated with Jiis colleagues iv Wellington, stating it was most desirous that tho number of the surveyors Ehould be increased, and from the reply he had received he had given instructions to the Chief Surveyor of the Province with a view to their obtaining as soon as possible two more surveyors, to enable them to get the land put into their hands quicker. — Mr. Syme thought they should have a larger number than two added to the present staff. — Mr. Crompton was of the same opinion, and moved — "That this Board has heard with satisfaction that two additional surveyors will be forthwith appointed, but would urge strongly upon tho attention of the Government the absolute necessity there exists for the further appointmeut of two more surveyors at least, to meet the present demand upon the Board for land." — Mr. Syme seconded the resolution, which was carried. Application, for a site for Religious 2?iiryoscs. — Au application was received from Mr. N. Hooker, requesting that oue of the town sections advertised to be sold by auction, might be reserved at the upset price, for the Wesleyan body for Church purposes. — Mr. Standish said that there was no provision made in the Act for this purpose; and religious bodies, if they required town sections, | would have to secure them in the same manner I as private persons. • Handbook, of Taraimld. — The Chairman asked if it would not be advisable to have a small haudbook, of about sixteen pages, prepared, giving a description of the province. — Mr. Standish thought it if not too expensive. — The subject was then dropped. Tho Board then adjourned.