WASTE LAND BOARD.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2128, 2 March 1870, Page 2

WASTE LAND BOARD.

This Day. The Waste Land Board m t an noon to-day. Present—the Chief Commissioner of Crown Lands, Messrs Duncan, Reid, and Huches. Mr G. E. Allen applied on behalf of Mr F. G. Dalgety. for a lease of unoccupied land, near St. Bathana, for pastoral purposes. Resolved —That the carrying capabilities of the land be assessed, and that it bo then leased according to the established rule in such cases. Mr R, Gillies applied on behalf of Mr John Woods, for a return of a deposit of LIO, which lie paid on application for sixty acres of land in 1868, which had not yet been surveyed. The Government had undertaken the survey, but it had be n delayed so long that the land would be no longer use ul to the applicant. By the 42ud section of the Waste Lands Act, it was quite competent for the Board to determine whether or not the deposit should bo returned, and by the 37th secien the decision must be given w thin six months from receipt of the application. Eighteen months had elapsed, and as it was not the fault of the applicant that the survey had not been, completed, he submitted that the money should be returned. The Chief Commissioner said that no survey staff was equal to surveying the different sections fappiied for within four mouths, as required by the Act. Consideration of the application was deferred. Mr Larnach applied to have the contract completed for land purchased by him at auction. Mr M‘Gregor, who disputed the purchase was present, and Mr Gillies acted on his behalf. The evidence in this case has already been published, and no new feature presented itself. Mr Gillies urged that Mr Larnacn bad forfeited all claim to be considered the purchaser, as be consented to have the lot put up again, whoa his claim to being the last bidder was disputed. Mr Larn.ich replied that ho had o dy given a conditional consent, which he withdrew when Mr Livingston objected to having the lot offered again, on account of most of the persons pres nt at the auction having left the room. Tho Board considered the point to be determined was whether or not there had been a dispute so as to bring the matter within the scope of the conditions of sale. Mr Larnach submitted that the dispute was not within the meanitg of the conditions of sale, and arose after tho contract was completed. Mr Gi'dies contended the contract was not completed, as the deposit had not been paid. Several witnesses were called to stale whether the auctl neer had announced the purchaser’s name so as to bo heard by those present in the room. Their evidence was conflicting, most stating their opinion (hat the announcement was made, but having no distinct recollection of it. Mr Livingston said that he had almost got Mr Larnach to consent to the land being put up again, but the claimants on the other side lost their temper, and then he determined to press his claim. Mr Livingston's evidence was, “he would, I think, have consented, is my proper answer, but they lost their temper, and he withdrew it.” The Board postponed the consideration of the question. Messrs Douglass and Larnach asked the Board if they would accompany tho applicants to view the sections applied for by t‘ e Forbury Park Oompanv of the Sandhills. The Commissioner replied that they i ould not entertain the question as a Board, but it was quite competent for the members as individuals to satisfy themselves as to the eligibility of the application for the land. Thomas Pointer’s application for extension of time for payment of rent for Blueskin Island, was refused, as his occupation of it hj id prevented its being rented by other aps plicants. W. D. Morrison's applicati n for a bush license. Tnapeka, was granted on tho payment of L 5 rent for each horse power of his engine. An application for sections 3 and 4, Macraes to be reserved from sale, as they were occupied by a schoolhouse, was granted. Leave to cut flax was granted to Mossiq Stoddard and Mr Kechan of Otepopo, without exclusive rights. Mr District Engineer Oliver’s report respecting sections 102 and 103, block 5, Oamaru, was read. 'The land was ordered to be put up to auction as of special value at 21s per acre. An application was read for a site for a Presbyterian churcb at Hardwi k. The sections applie i for Mere on a mining reserve, and the applicants were ordered to bo requested to sel ct another site outside of it. A letter was read from Mr France, of Oamaru, respecting the appointment of Mr Shrirasky as auctioneer. it was one on which no action could bo taken. The Board adjourned.