DISMISSAL OF THE CHAIRMAN OF LAND SALES COMMITTEE

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 November 1946, Page 6

DISMISSAL OF THE CHAIRMAN OF LAND SALES COMMITTEE

AFTER INQUIRY LAW SOCIETY EXPRESSES CONCERN (P.A.) Hamilton, Oct. 31. An investigation of the dismissal of Mr. S. Lewis from the chairmanship of the Hamilton Land Sales Committee by the Hamilton District. LawSociety has resulted in the issue of a lengthy statement which expresses concern that circumstances were .not made the subject of the official inquiry. Summarising the evidence it had before it, the society said that the majority of cases mentioned in the debate sought to support the Minister’s allegation of bias against the Crown and related to special values allowed, alleging unfairness and harshness againt Crown witnesses and officers. The society submitted the following answers to these allegations:—

1. The Crown had full right of appeal in every case. Out of approximately 4800 cases heard, we can find reference to only 31 appeals, only one of which was allowed at a figure less than that fixed by the committee, and even then above the Crown valuation. 2. At least two of the three members of the committee concurred in and were parties to every decision given. If, then, the chairman was at fault, were not the other members of the committee equally at fault? Further, it is noteworthy that the Land Sales Court in an appeal recently heard had upheld Mr. Lewis’ dissenting judgment, in which the purchase price was £l5OO and the price fixed by the other two members of the committee in a majoritv decision was £320. The Crown valuation in this price was increased by the Appeal Court to £9OO.

The society held that investigations have not. disclosed any justification for the action taken by the Minister, pointing out that the incident was privileged and that Mr. Lewis had no redress. The society points out that as a society it is deeply concerned over the Lewis case, for it believes that as important principles of justice are concerned, the fullest inquiry and investigation should have been made before any action was taken.