AN EXPLANATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12748, 18 September 1919, Page 8

AN EXPLANATION.

CRAZING SOLDIERS' LAND.

Mr H. D. M. Haszard, speaking at to-day’s meeting of the Land Board, said that his remarks on Tuesday in regard to unauthorised grazing of stock on land acquired for soldiers had been of general application, but in regard to Coldstream, when the stock on Major Studholme’s place was sold about three weeks ago, Messrs Pyne Gould, Guinness, Ltd., had telegraphed to him asking for grazing for a. few days, and he had consented to this as a favour. The other day. when he heard that the stock were still there, "he had been surprised. Mr Boyle had now informed him that the sheep had been kept on Coldstream with the intention of disposing of them to the successful applicants for sections in the settlement at the same price as they were bought for, and that they had been holding the sheep • with the view of assisting the returned soldiers. “ I think it is right that tliis explanation should be made, - ’ Mr Haszard said, ‘‘ and that in the circumstances the remarks I made on Tuesday would not apply to that particular settlement. If the soldiers get the sheep at the price given for them some weeks ago in view of th© rising market, it will be a big help to them.” Mr I>. Stowell said that ballots for soldiers’ settlements should be held before displenishing sales, took place. Mr Ha.szard said that ho agreed with the suggestion, but it would be difficult to follow. MR BOYLE’S COMMENT. Mr A. Boyle, who was seen in regard to the matter, said that Mr J. Grigg had purchased the sheep for the purpose of letting the successful applicants for .Coldstrteum purchase them at the same price. Acting for Mr Grigg, he had asked Mr Haszard for permission to graze the ewes till the ballot took place, and this the commissioner had kindly agreed to. The point he wished to emphasise _was that his request was not for grazing for a few days, but until it was found out whether the successful applicants wished to purchase th© sheep. i