FLOOD DAMAGES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1906, 16 October 1906, Page 3

FLOOD DAMAGES.

SETTLERS’ LOSSES,

At the mooting of tho Land Board

yesterday, Mr lan Simson’s reports on the losses sustained by settlers came under the notice of the Board. He, Mr Simson reported on nine cases at Pouparae, fifteen at the Willows and four at Waimarie. The following is the list: —Pouparae: J. Walsh, H. McCarthy, Geo. Jones, L. Pardoe, W. H. Jones, T. Habgood, M. S. Thomas, W. Woods, E. J. Witters. Willows : E. Dunn, W. Sisterson, C. W. McGaveston, J. T. Dunston, A. Lange, J. Russell, J. Maxwell, C- Jackson, M. L, Dunstan, F. Carron, C. Peach, F. Bates, M. Mclntosh, A- Knox, H. Knox, M. A. and E. Toole, T. Kane. Waimarie: Shank Bros. J- Grayson, G. E. Jones, J. S- Reid.

Several settlers attended in prson, tho Commissioner explaining that the Board was in a peculiar position with regard to many of them. The Act only’ made provision for granting relief in cases of settlers whose rent was iu_ arrears, and as in most of the cases before tho Board the rent had boon paid, there was no sueli disability. Hence tho difficulty to know what recommendation to make. The Board would report on all cases where hardship had occurred and would recommend remission of rent as compensation. The Board would visit as many of the places as possible and see for themselves.

Mr Walsh, section 16 Poupara?, stated to the Board that quite £2OO damage had been dono to his selection. —The Board deoided to recommend that half a year’s rent be remitted.

Mr Grayson, eeotion B, block VI., Willows settlement, said it wou’d be 18 months before be would get any benefit from tho plaoe.—Tho Board promised Mr Grayson they would visit his selection and make the best recommendation they could.

Mrs Mclntosh end Mr Reid wore informed that tho Btard intended to do all they could to assist tho soitlers, and would probably visit their roepaotive properties. la the case of Mr Kano, it was pointed out that eight acres of fcis property had been swept away, in addition to the damage dono by the flood —The Board deoided to rccomm nd a proportionate reduction nf rent immediately, and inform Mr Kane :hey bad his other losses uoder consideration and would do the best they could.

Mr G. E. Jones supplemented tho ranget’s report on his selection. The silt was very deep on his place, and it would have to bo thoroughly dry before it oould be worktd. The Bili would not be so good as tho old soil until it had been sweetened by being expesed to tbe air. He considered the whole of the ground would have to be worked and ie sown, and it would be autumn before he could do thiß. —Mr Jones was informed that tbe Boaid would visit his place, and Mr Shanks was also informed to this effect.