Marton Special Settlements.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 77, 27 September 1895, Page 2

Marton Special Settlements.

SECTIONS FORFEITED. (Per Press Association) Wellington, Sept. 26. At the Land Board to-day, the Com* missioner referred to the recent inquiry in connection with tbe Marton special settlements, Nos. 1 and and 2. He said tbe evidence showed there had been a systematic attempt to evade tbe provisions of the Land Act and to transfer lands withont the consent of the Board. In six cases out of eight inquired into the lessees had never been on tbe land since they obtained it, and personally bad never made any attempt whatever to improve their holdings in any way, but had sold out in each case for a considerable snm. From £50 to £100 was paid in cash, which was sought to be secured by mortgage, not given as security for money raised by thc lessee to make the improvements required by tbe Act. He commented on the action of the former secretary of the Farm Homestead Association, who, from his position could scarcely have been unaware he was advising his clients to contravene the Land Act. The Board decided nn. animonsly to forfeit the sections held by the following : — Melina E. Harris, Euphernia H. Harris, Alfred J. Shaw, George K. Watts, Henry C. Bennett, Henry Hazel, Chas. A. Leicester, and W. Beatson. Also to have the sections and improvements valued separately and offered for sale under part 3 of tbe Land Act, the value of the improvements to be paid to persons the Board considers entitled to the same.