TAI-RAWHITI LAND BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2167, 24 August 1907, Page 2

TAI-RAWHITI LAND BOARD.

On the Tai-Rawhiti District Native Land Board resuming yesterday morning, the President (Col‘. Porter, C. 8.) read the Board’s decision in connection with the Messrs. Ludbrooks’ applications for leasing the Wairongomai block in three parts. Before giving his decision the President explained tho Acts under which the sittings of the Board were held. The Board’s decision was as follows: —“The title to this Land is held by 428 original beneficiary Maori proprietors under an order of incorporation, made by the Native Land Court, dated 10th May, 1907. The lease..is executed under the rules and regulations made in •'■ursuance of section 22 of the Native Land Court Act, 1894—the said rules bedug by Order-in-Counoil dated the Ist April. 1895. The Board’s consent to the alienation is asked for under the special powers imposed upon it bv section 23, sub-section 4, of tlie Maori Land Claims Adjustment and Laws Amendment Act, 1906. After full consideration of the evidence, the Board is satisfied that the lessee and lessors have complied with tho provisions of the Maori Lands Administration Act, 1900, and the rules and regulations above recited, also that the terms and conditions of lease are for the benefit of tlie proprietors, who appear to have aotej unanimouslv in the incorporation and leasing of their land. The Board therefore approves the lease and the alienation effected thereby, subject to (1) production of a separate Government valuation for tho part leased; (2) tho rental per acre to be stated in the lease after such valuation is made; (3) the area leased to ho described in tho lease and shown upon the plan for registration purposes.”

Mr. Nolan suggested that Mr. Lewis, the Government valuer for the district, be asked to give evidence as to the value. Tho President said that he knew the value of the land himself. If Mr. (Lewis was prepared to say what the real valuation was from the books of Mr. Coutts, who had valued this portion on his round, the Board would bo agreeable to accepting it, without tho necessity for another visit.

Mr. Nolan pointed out that it* would make no difference if Mr. Lewis went- up to the place, as he would not differ from the valuation of his superior. Gerard G.'Willianis applied for permission to lease 3946 acres, of Tiapuwaeroa A 1 block, at a rental of 4s 9d per acre, for 21 years. Sarah U. Williams applied to lease 2622 acres of the same block at 4s 9d per acre for 21 years, and John W. Williams put in a similar application for 3290 acres of Tapuwaeroa Nl, 82, at 4s 3d per acre for the same term. Mr. Nolan appeared for each of the applicants.

Tlie Board took lengthy evidence on tlie subject. The chairmen of the committees were examined as to the incorporation of the lands find the resolution passed by the owners to lease, and expert evidence as to the value and classification of the lands was tendered by Mi*. W. O’Ryan, Engineer and Clerk to tlie Wainpu County, and Mr. C. F. Lewis, district valuer. The bearing concluded at 4.15, when the Board adjourned to Monday morning. The decision will then be announced.