A LAND QUESTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 903, 29 May 1903, Page 2

A LAND QUESTION.

AN AMICABLE AKRANGEMEN

2U the meeting of the Harbor Board yesterday, the Chairman said he had been approached by Air Wi I’ere, who had suggested an arrangement in regard to the land near the groyne by which the Harbor Board, Maoris, and Railway Department get, allotted shares. The Harbor Board would take the portion in the vicinity of the groyne, the railway that portion which they most, required, and the Maoris, who wanted an approach to tiie beach, would retain a portion, including that on which Mr Reka Kerekcre’s house was built. It

seemed to him that the offer was a very satisfactory one, and it would save any fighting “ What about the accretion ?” asked Mr Wliinray. “ That point, is best not raised,”

said the Chairman. Air Harding: That belongs to the owners. “ If it makes out to Nick's Head, you say it, would he their property,” rejoined Air Hepburn. “ Yes, I consider it, would he theirs if the land was theirs,” replied Air Harding. “ The offer seems to me to he too good to lie true,” said Capt. Tucker, in a tone of surprise. “It is a fair and square offer,” said Mr Harding. Captain Tucker : Well, I am sure no member of the Harbor Board could object to that. ‘‘ I think not,” said the Chairman. Air Harding: Unless we get it into our heads that the land is ours. “ Of course if you want to make a fight of it, you can do so, but this is for a peaceful settlement,” said the Chairman. Air Wliinray : We are going to re-

claim a lot of land there within Ihe next, ten years. Air Harding said that the Hoard would take the accretion on their land, the Alaoris thut. on theirs, and the Railway Department that on theirs. In reply to Captain Tucker, the Chairman said that the Board was not asked to pay anything, amt the Railway Department would get tiie portion they wanted at the compensation lixed.

“ Then,” said Captain Tucker with emphasis, “ any member who opposes that would he out of bis mind. We gel something for nothing. I had not, heard of this before.” Tiie Mayor said that it had only come on at noon that day. If they could get. portion alluded to without lighting lie thought they ought to he well satisfied. It would allow Ihe Board tiie portion they required, and with access by road, while it would allow Lowe street to lie continued to the beach, instead of ending, as it now did. at: tiie stream. It would, he considered, work out to the entire satisfaction of the people. There was no resolution passed on the subject, but after the explanation members weee apparently, unanimous.