PREFERENCE AT LAND BALLOTS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13662, 28 March 1908, Page 5

PREFERENCE AT LAND BALLOTS.

AN ALLEGED INJUSTICE.

Per Press Association.

DUNEDIN, March 27. In connection with the ballot held today for sections in the Taumata Settlement, some surprise is expressed at the action of the Minister of Lands in refusing to grant preference to a man name! William Patton. X appears that Patton has been employed an the, estate for nearly seven ™J*S* he loses his employment asi the result of the acquisition of -the Property by the Government. It is stated that the Land Board approved of preference being granted to Patlon, and also that the Commissioner, in forwarding tne recommendation to the Minister, explained that the applicant was an ablebodied man and could easily get employment elsewhere. The Minister rerused to grant -preference, yith the result that Patton had to take hja chance at the. ballot and was not successful. , -