DUMMYING THE LAND BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2165, 14 April 1908, Page 1

DUMMYING THE LAND BOARD.

Mil. LANE PROTESTS. At tho conclusion of tho ordinary business of tho Hawke’s Bay Land Board, Mr. E. Lane said ho had a matter to bring forward boforo the reporters withdrew, and addressing tlie Commissioner said: “Sir, —I beg to gtvo notice, as a .protest- against the unconstitutional interference with the business of this Board, that at its noxt mooting to bo held in Napier, on such a date as may be decided, I will move the following resolution:— ‘That under clauses 43, 49, 201, and 207 of tho Land Act 1885, this Board is appointed to dccido whether or not tho small grazing runs leased under tho Act are suitable for close settlement-, and that wo cannot accept the instructions forwarded under date of Decomber 21st. 1905, and again this year by tho Under-Secretary for Lands, as Cabinet instructions, being of opinion that such instructions tend to -demoralise the tenants, belittle the Law, and dummy this Board.’ ” The instructions issued to tho Board by tiie Cabinet were as follows: December 21st 1905. Tho Commissioner of Crown Lands, Napier. It has been decided by the Government that when leases of small grazing or pastoral runs are about to terminate that the question that demands attention before the land is re-offered, is whether or not the run is suitable for close settlement, then, before granting a renewal, the area fit lor close settlement must first be out out of the run, and in every case the decision as to whether the run should be left in its entirety an released must lie submitted for the consideration of the Hon. the Minister for Lands. Please note that this is a Cabinet .instruction.”

Signed.— Kensington. And early this year as follows: “Government are anxious that iall land that can possibly be offered for closo settlement shall bo so opened, and no leases will bo renewed where tho Board recommends that the' land is suitable for close settlement. The responsibility, however, of deciding this will be the- Cabinet, when your report is recieved.” Signed.—Kensington.