The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1890.

Timaru Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4969, 18 October 1890, Page 2

The Timaru Herald. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1890.

We recently had occasion to write something concerning the alleged pre valence of dnmmyism m various parts of the colony. Since then we have received a copy of the evidence given before the Waste Lands Committee last session when the practice of dummyism was under investigation. Some of that evidence (relating to one case) has been published by a North Island newspaper, the Woodville Examiner, and it exemplifies the methods by which nnscrnpulous persons seek to evade the plain provisions of the Land Act. It seems that a Mr Alexander Peebles was anxions to become the possessor of a certain section of Crown land at Woodville, and the evidence of the witnesses, including himself, discloses how he set about the business of acquiring it. He sent m numerous applications from a variety of persons, including the members of his own family. Of course each of these people had to make the statutory declaration that he wanted the land for himself and that he was not applying m the interests of anyone else. Amongst others whom Mr Peebles enlisted m his cause was a Mr Sowry, who was promised a premium if his application was successful and if be thereupon transferred the land to Mr Peebles. The latter paid the deposit for Mr Sowry. It turned out that Mr Sowry's application was successful, but then there came a serious hit oh m the little arrangement. Mr Sowry would not transfer to Mr Peebles, and did not return the deposit amounting to £40 8s 9d, which, as we have seen, had been paid to the Land Board. We understand that the matter is not yet settled, but if the story be true, tbe deposit will be forfeited, and possibly other steps will be taken. It is altogether a queer revelation, and if that kind of dodging can be successfully praotised at Woodville (as it seemingly would have been if tbe successful applicant had made tbe transfer) there appears to be no reason why it should not be successfully practised throughout the colony, provided that persons of tbe suitable standard of . morality can be found to engage m tbe venture. Some good might be effected by making the law more severe, but it would be better to give the Land Boards further powers of investigation and an absolute discretion m accepting or rejecting applications.