THE IDA VALLEY BLOCK

Dunstan Times, Issue 626, 17 April 1874, Page 2

THE IDA VALLEY BLOCK

(COMMUNICATED.) In 'a late issue of the Tnapeka Times appeared an article, “Ida Valley (communicated),” dealing with the block of land thrown open in Ida Valley under the deferred payment system. By your leave, I will cooreot some of the mis-statements contained therein. In the first instance, it is stated that the land is not the same as petitioned for ; that the laud is inferior ; that not one-half is ever likely to he applied for from that cause ; and that the land is hampered with a provisio that 30s. per chain has to he paid for a sheep fence running through the block- In answer, I desire to say that the land was selected in the place as indicated by those who desired it, and that many were present ween the selection was made. As to the quality of land, there is not more than three hundred acres of rather inferior ground in the block, andas it is necessary to have,every block snrveved in some regular shape, this could not well he avoided. As , t.i quantity applied for, there is nearly one thousand three hundred acres now applied for, of which nearly six hundred are taken up ; and, as the whole of the applicants arc resident in the locality, there is no doubt but that every application will he carried ont. In reference to the fencing, the facts are grossly perverted. The first estimate ■was 29s per chain, the valuator thinking the fence would be of equal value to tbn selector as to the runholder. The Waste Lands Board, however, on it being represented that this was out o' proportion, reduced the valuation to Ifis., Ids. and Ss. par chain, in accordance with the description of fence. To this every applicant but one has assented, and he appears to have thought better of it, as he has again applied for nearly two hundred acres. These are the plain unvarnished facts, and I hope the next time *• Communicated” is in a grumbling mood be will not allow his- temper to get the bettor of Ins discretion, and by distortion of facts, attempt to .oistar up a bad case.