THE “LOOKED-UP” LANDS OF TAURANGA.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume II, Issue 184, 10 June 1874, Page 3

THE “LOOKED-UP” LANDS OF TAURANGA.

To Henry Clarke, Esq., Under Secretary, Native Department, Wellington, pee favor of the Bay op Pjdbste Times. TO THE EDIIOB. Sib, —Having been a settler in Tauranga for some years, I was taken somewhat aback on reading your letter which appeared last week in this paper, wherein you are said to saj, “ that the most valuable lands in Tauranga are locked up from use in the hands of speculators." Sir, I have diligently searched the district plana in the Survey Office, and I am really at a loss to comprehend what you mean by asserting that the lands of this district are lying waste in the hands of speculators. There are certainly two individuals of whom you are well cognisant, who have succeeded in accumulating for themselves valuable es* .tea —one of them a member of your own department, who now possess ■ lands known, I believe, as Native Beserves—comprising, all told, 1627 acres, for which, the same fortunate individual now wants pounds for every shilling he gave the owners; and which lands are said to be the choicest and best iu the whole district, aud are interspersed in the centre and all around the block selected by Mr Stewart. The other gentleman referred to is a member of your own family, whom, I believe, owns a vast extent of uncultivated lands contiguous to our township, which are lying waste and unsettled upon ; but which lands, however, were obtained and purchased, I am bound to say, openly at public competition. Military settlers" lands are also lying waste and unoccupied j but I am anxious to know from you, where the lands are situated, and by whom owned, that are “ iocked-up by speculators.”—l am, &0., Ekqoibbe.