FARMERS DISPUTE PURCHASE OF FARM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19107, 27 June 1930, Page 9

FARMERS DISPUTE PURCHASE OF FARM.

EVIDENCE GIVEN AS TO VALUES OF LAND. A dispute over the sale of a Kirwee farm occupied the attention of his Honor Mr Justice Kennedy in the Supreme Court again to-day. Ernest James Smith, farmer, sued Albert Sydney Crowe, farmer, for specific performance of an agreement under which Smith arranged to sell the farm, which consists of 303 acres, to Crowe at £l7 10s an acre. The defence was that the agreement was void for uncertainty, that Smith had misrepresented the value, condition, productivity and carrying capacity of the land, and that the alleged contract was unfair and, if enforced, would cause hardship to Crowe. Mr Donnelly appeared for plaintiff and Mr Saunders for defendant. Albert Freeman, valuer, called bv Mr Saunders, said that he did not think there was an acre on the farm free from twitch. The farm had been neglected. Witness said that he valued the farm at £lO to £ll an acre in its present condition, and at £l4 in a reasonable condition. Robert John Wallace, retired farmer, valued the land at £5 an acre in its present condition, and at £9 10s when cleaned.