FAMILY DUMMYISM.

Thames Advertiser, Volume XXVI, Issue 764, 4 October 1893, Page 1

FAMILY DUMMYISM.

Wellington, October *l, A. CASE involving several complications came before the meeting of the Land Board yes»erday. It appears that Mr Hodgins has taken up a section of some 600 acres at Mangaohe for himself, as well as similar ireas for each of hie two sons. The improvements on one of the latter sections were not effected, as double improvemeus were not made, aUjiough they wero necessary, owing to non-residence, Mr Hodgins explained that he believed his was under 21 wheu the period at which the improvements should have been effected, expired; but it was pointed out that if that were correct, the son must have beeu under legal age (17) whun he took up the land. Mr Pirani objected to (be application on'the/ground that it seemed to him a case'of family dummyism, and it was the duty of the b'ard, in cases like the one before them, to insist on the carryiug out qt the improvement conditions, as they were the only safeguards pros videdby the Act. Mr Hogg protested Bgainst the imputation of dummyism, as he knew Mr Hodgins was a genuine settler, and he urged that time should be given to enable the improvements to be effected, tn reply to Mr Fitzberbert, Mr Bodgins wlmitted he had applied to the board years ago to be allowed to effect his sons' iinprovoiutmts on his own section, bnt the n quest had been refused The Commissioner suggested thit Mr •Hodgins should procure his son's certi* ficate of birth and attend with it in tbe itTernoon. This was done, and it was nscpiaineri that the son was nrer 22

yeara of age, 'he Oommlsiioner re. marked thin the sou ought to have ap« penrerl himeelf, and that (he whole fiffoir had a BUspioiotiß look, After some diecuseion and m assurance from Mr Hodgins that the improvements would beeff'Oled Immediately after the next burn, an extension of time for 12 months was grant3d.