Pahiatua News.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXVII, Issue 5119, 11 June 1907, Page 3

Pahiatua News.

[Per Press Association.]

Pahiatua, This day

At the inquest on John Beaufort, held yesterday afternoon, the verdict of tho jury was as follows That deceased met his death as the result of a fracture of the skull and a ruptuie of a blood vessel on the brain, caused while under tho influence of liquor, on Friday evening last. During a discussion at the County Council meeting, on the question of Government valuations, Mr Bolton said that land in this district was changing hands at prices that it was impossible for any man to make a living on. This was brought about by speculators, who bought on paper, and as low as ten per cent of the purchase -money was all that was paid, the result being that where little cash was required the price of land was raised each time the land changed bauds. These fictitious prices gave the valuer a basis to go upon, but at the same time was increasing the hardship of tho legitimate farmer who worked his land. It was resolved that the Council emphatically protest against the manner in which the valuation of county lands are made, insofar that the valuations are made too

frequently, and that a valuer be appointed who has a knowledge of the disti ict.