GISBORNE-WAIROA STOCK ROUTE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2185, 14 September 1907, Page 2

GISBORNE-WAIROA STOCK ROUTE.

In August representations were made by the Executive of the P.B. Farmers’ Union to the Minister for Lands regarding stock reserve No. 50, Hangaroa S.D. “It has come to the knowledge of my Executive,” wrote' the secretary, “that negotiations are pending with the view of exchanging this paddock for certain native land. This would inflict great hardship upon the settlers of Ruakituri, Te Reinga and Tiniroto, besides other settlers who may be travelling stock upon the main Gisborne-Wairoa road. This paddock is situated on the main road some miles on the Wairoa side of Tiniroto and has for a great number of years been the usual ground for travelling stock, and if this should bo now taken away it will seriously inconvenience persons having stock .travelling between Gisborne and Wairoa. There is practically no other stock reserve or paddock between this one and the Poverty Bay flats some 35 miles distant. I am to ask you to give this matter your earnest and immediate consideration as we understand that negotiations for tlio transfer are now almost co: pleted.” At yesterday’s meeting of the Poverty Bay Executive a reply was read from tlio Minister stating that inquiries aro being made into the subject of tho complaint, with a view 1 ascertaining to what extent relief can be granted. A later letter stated: “I think there is some misapprehension in tho matter, as the exchange which was strongly recommended by both Mr. Broderick, District Surveyor, Gisborne, and by Mr. Trent, Commissioner of Lands at Napier. AVliat lias been agreed upon is this : ‘The old stock reserve, section 50, block 14. Hangaroa S.D., has - been a nuisance to tho Department for many years, as no one would lease it, and its value has been more than eaten up in clearing it of noxious weeds. Tho Native owners of part of Tauwharetoi No. 2B have agreed to give tho Government an area of 70 acres in exchange for tho present stock reserve in section 50, the area-of which is only 20 acres. The 70 acres are situated on the opposite side of tilie river to section 50, between the HanPliroa River and the Tumohonui stream, and is suitable for a stock reserve.’ The Commissioner of Crown Lands reports that this is the only wav to get rid of this stock reserve, and that tho area offered is far better land, and in quite as good a position for stock purposes. The exchange is being made through the Native Land Court, and if your Union have still strong reasons against the exchange, and can offer any remedy to the present unsatisfactory state of affairs, they had better at once place their views before the Laud Officer at Gisl>orn e (Mr. Brodric’k), so that I may obtain some further recommendation from that officer,” -

Mr. Clayton stated that ho had received communications from' the Ruakituri settlers on the subject, and had taken ujion himself to send a letter, as it wns a matter of urgency, pending confirmation by the Executive. The President (Mr. Watson) remarked that ho had spoken to a number of settlers about the matter, and all agreed that the section was of considemble service. Mr. Clayton said that the exchange was proposed to enable access to be made to a Government section; that explained the approval of Government officers to the exchange. The reserve was in a spot where one was necessary, there being nono within six miles. The weeds were certainly a trouble, but that was not sufficient reason for depriving settlers of the nso of the reserve. The President mentioned that he had been spoken to by one gentleman, who would he willing to take over the Government section without special access being given to it. Finally, the President and Messrs. Guyton and Chambers were appointed a committee to wait upon Mr. Brodriek and urge the obicctions to the transfer, also to make further representations to the Government,