SALE OF ALLEGED AURIFEROUS LAND IN THE LEANING ROCK DISTRICT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 744, 21 July 1876, Page 3

SALE OF ALLEGED AURIFEROUS LAND IN THE LEANING ROCK DISTRICT.

—o— Messrs Fraser (ot Strode and Fraser), Hislop, Hazlett, and Hastie (of M'Nally, Hastie, and Co.), on Tuesday morning last waited upon the Deputy-Superintendent to oppose the sale of certain lands in Leaning Hock district. It was stated that the land in question was auriferous. It comprised 500 acres, part of which was at present occupied by three farms, the tenants of whicli would be entitled to L 1,500 compensation in the event of the sale not being effected. Ihe propric • tors of the Golden Race—six Winking men —which formed part of this land had constructed a water-race at a cost of L 7,000, and now that the race was almost completed were told that the land was to be sold. His Honor wished to know if the parties interested would assist in raising the compensation. LI, 500 was a serious item. Mr Hastie replied that they had exhausted their means in constructing the water-race. Mr Fraser thought that as a matter of good faith to those men who had made the water-race the land should not be sold. Mr Bastings, when a member of the Executive, had visited the ground, and was satisfied with its auriferous nature His Honor promised to bring the matter before the Executive at their meeting today. He was not a member of the Executive when it was decided to sell the land, and was not aware of the reasons which had caused the Government to propose its sale.

' On the following day, at the Waste Lands Board Messrs Hanlon, Kelehcr, and M‘Arthur, applied to have their application to purchase land in block 11., Leaning Bock district, granted on the 27th June confirmed. Mr Denniston appeared for the applicants. Mr Hislop for Mr Hastie and other miners in the district, opposed the application . The Clerk read a memo, from the Government, stating that they saw no reason for altering their previous decision. Mr Hislop applied for an adjournment of the case for a week. The Chairman : This is simply a money question. Mr Denniston : May I ask why? The Chairman : Apparently in the minds of the Government. The Board has nothing to do with the money question. In the mind of the Board, it is a question whether it is expedient or right in the view of the circumstances, to sell this land. With the Government it is apparently a money question. Mr Denniston ; They appear to ignore altogether the rights which my clients have acquired. The following was minuted :—“ Case reheard. Decision postpone! for one month from this date, in accordance with the recommendation of the Government.”