WASTE LAND BOARD.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 348, 18 April 1874, Page 3

WASTE LAND BOARD.

The following was amongst the business transacted at the meeting of the Waste Land Board held on Thursday last : — Ah Hee applied to p'u*chase sections 1 and 2, block 111., Roxburgh. The applicant was informed that he would have to await the quarterly sales. A report was received from the District Land Officer on the applications of Messrs. Martin, Broad, and Manuel to purchase sections 40, 41, and 44, in block 11., Teviot. The applications were approved by the Board. Mr. Peter Robertson applied to purchase 2600 acres in Waitahuna West District, under clause 73. The application was refused. The report of the District Land Officer on the application of Mr. Hugh Bruce for a lease of mine for coal near Havelock was next considered. The report pointed out that there was no objection to the application being granted, except that of Mr. G. F. 0. Browne, who was the holder of a lignite lease, and had expended money from time to time to keep the mine in working order. Some time ago the mine was flooded and no coal was obtainable, and the inhabitants thereby experienced inconvenience. With one other exception it cuold not be shown that there had been a failure to Bupply local wants. — Mr. Bro\rne contended that so long as there was no siibstantial breach, of covenant on his part he should be protected against competition. — The applicant was informed that ho must furnish a sketch to Mr. Adams, to bo forwarded to the Land Office, and that then the Commistioner would sign the lease. Also £5 to be sent in favor of the Receiver of Land Revenue.

A letter addi'essed to the Superintendent by Messrs. Joseph Harding and Co., applying for encouragement in starting a saw mill and fish-curing establishment at one of tbe West Coast sounds was read, having been handed to the Board by his Honor. It stated that the price charged by the Board for the right of cutting timber on the wasto lands could not with reason apply to the enteprise, seeing that the main obstacle to settlement in that district is its densely wooded character. It was decided not to accede to the request, as the timber on the West Coast was considered as valuable as that in the othor parts of the province.