"RIDICULOUS."

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1812, 26 July 1913, Page 9

"RIDICULOUS."

COLLEGE LAND & AGGREGATION. An allegation that they were allowing land aggregation on their endowment properties was made to tho Wellington Collego Board of Governors yesterday. The Commissioner of Crown Lands informed tho board in a letter that the Iluntervillo Chamber of Commerco had written to the Minister for Lanus, stating that aggregation had been going on in connection with tho college leases in the Mangahoo Valley within the Inst fewyears, one innn and his family holding a largo area. The Chamber desired this aggregation to be put a stop to when the leases expire, on September iiO, 1916. The Under-Secretary for Lands desired him to ascertain from the board whether the present lessees had a right to renewal without public competition; nlso what was the usual practice of tho Governors in disposing of these lands—whether by auction or otherwise. The total area of the land concerned is 2256 acres, comprising four sections held by three, persons. Commenting on tho letter, the chairman (Mr. A. de B. Brandon) said that tho objections raised by tho Chamber were ridiculous. There were far too many peoplo in this country consumed with a burning desire to prevent their neighbours from becoming rich.' He proposed, to send the following reply to the Commissioner: — "I am directed by the Board of • Governors to inform you that the ■ lands in question are let on lease with. a right of renewal at valuation, under the powers given by statute. The board, in dealing with its properties, is guided entirely by its regard to tho ' trusts which it has to administer, nnd is not disposed to lay down any gen- - eral rule which might operate prejudically in a particular case. It naß hitherto dealt with each case on its merits, and proposes to continue to follow that course in order to obtain tie best advantage for tho trust." Members of the board expressed hearty approval of the reply, and the chairman was empowered to forward it forthwith.