GISBORNE GRAZING RUNS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2320, 13 October 1908, Page 2

GISBORNE GRAZING RUNS.

PRODUCTION OF CORRESPONDENCE.

ItUNS 43 AND 45 ONLY DEALT

WITH

[Siuiciap to “Timer.”]

WELLINGTON, Oct. 12.

In tho dying Lours of the session, there was Jaid oil tho tablo of tho House (on tho motion of Mr. W. Hurries) tho correspondence botwcon tho Minister of Lands and the Hawke’s Bay Land Board and tho reports of valuators and rangers and all resolutions of the Board relating to small grazing runs 43 and 45. Correspondence was also asked for in regard to run 42a (lessee Wilfred H. Perry), but it was explained that as tlio lease over this run does not expire until 18th February, 1011, there lias been no occasion to deal with it. Therefore there is no correspondence as between the Minister and the Board and the Board and the valuer. There is no mention of Hall’s run in tho correspondence, so the inference is that Mr. Herries was supplied with the wrong number, and the"correspondence in ■ regard to tint run (which was really wanted) is not given.

RUN 43.

The p apers show that on. 14th June tho valuers were appointed to report whether small grazing runs in the Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay districts were suitable for subdivision. On* November Ist, 1907, Mr. Simson reported suggesting tint 900 acres starting from the back- boundary on the north side of tho road, ho cut out and put into a small grazing run at £3 10s per . acre' unimproved value, and offered to the present tenant for another term'of 21 "years, the.balance, on both sides of the road to he cut up and offered under tho optional system. Tho improvements were stated as follows: Lot 1, north side of main road, on 28 acres of wellgrassed land, £3OOS; 1000 acres of hilly bush land, felled and grassed, partly cleared of logs, £2500; seven miles pest -and wire fencing, £570; total, £6078; improved value £0983; total, £13,061. , Lat 2, south’side of main road, improvements £7665; unimproved valuo £8575; total, £16,240; grand total, £29,301; capital valuer £6 15s 4d per acre. Tho valuer reported that after 900 acres had been offered to the present tenant, the balance should be subdivided and offered under the optional system. On December 11th the Land 'Officer at Gisborne reported to the Commissioner at Napier that run 43 was suitable for subdivision into 5 sections. On December 13lh the Land Board adopted the valuer’s suggestions and the valuations for recommendations to flip -Minister.

Onyi.be 18th February there was a

■•emu from tho Commissioner at Napier to the Under-Secretary sending valuers’ reports on ten small grazing runs, including No. 43, and recommending the reports approved by tho Board for favorable consideration of the Minister.

Oil February 18th, 1908, there is a memo, from the Commissioner to Mr. Black (the lessee) advising him of tho decision of . tho Board, and offering him a renewal of 900 acres at increased rental.

The following is a synopsis of the subsequent proceedings:—22nd February, 1908, memo, from the Commissioner to the Ttnder-Secrciar.v, calling attention to special conditions embodied -in valuer’s report in reference. to runs 45. 43, and 46. Minute (4th March, 1908), Minister’s decision that-runs 17, 66, 45 and lots 1 -and 2 -of 43 he subdivided and disposed of, rim 46 to bo offered- on renewal lease to present occupiers. Memo. (sth March. 190S1 from the Undersecretary to-the Commissioner, Napier, advising that tho Minister had decided that grazing runs 17, 66, 45, ■arid lots 1 and 2 of 43 are to he subdivided for closer settlement and' disposed of under the optional system.. May 14tli, 1908, letter from the Commissioner to Mr. It. G. Black advising him that the Minister had approved of the recommendation of the Land Board to grant him a lease of 900 acres for -a further term of 21 years at a rental of £79, and that the balance of the run was to be subdivided for closer settlement, .and giving valuation of improvements thereon up to 30th November, 1907. Letter Ist .Tune, 190 S, from Mr. Black to ’ the Commissioner, Napier, -appealing against the decision- of the Land Board ro lease of part of run 43 offered him and asking for a rehearing. .Tune 12tli, 1908, resolution of Land Board a-ospecting run 43 leased to Mr. It. G. Black. The Board decided, after -hearing Mr. Black in support of his appeal, to rescind tho former resolution-and to offer Mr. Black a renewal of his whole lease. Memo. (12th June, 1908) from Commissioner to Mr. Black advising him of tlie Board’s decision to recommend for the Minister’s approval that he be offered a lease over tho whole of run 43. Memo. (20th Julie, 1908) from the Commissioner to the' Under-Sec-retary that the Board resolved lo rescind its former resolution respecting run 43 and offer Mr. Black (lessee) a lease of the whole of the land, subject to the Minister’s approval. June 24th, 1908, resolution submitted to the Minister, who asked the Un-der-Secretary to obtain an explanation from tlio Commissioner as to tho Board’s reasons for deciding to adopt this proposal regarding run 43 -after previously deciding that the run was suitable for subdivision. Memo. (June 29th, 1908) from the Under-Secretary to tlio Commissioner asking for a full . explanation regarding the Board’s action in cancelling its former resolution that lots 1 and 2 of 43 were suitable, for subdivision, and then subsequently recommending that a new lease of the whole area be offered Mr. Black. Memo. (2nd July, 1908) from the Commissioner to tho Undpr-Sec-retary detailing the circumstances which led the Board to review its former •' decision re run. 43.' Memo. (Bth July, 190 S) from the Under-Secretary to the Minister forwarding tho Commissioner’s explanation and recommending tho Minister’s -approval of the Board’s subsequent resolution that Mr. Blick he offered a renewal of his lease. Memo.,; 10th Julv. I9OS, from the Minister to the Valuer-General asking for a report on run 43 as to whether the run is capable of subdivision. Memo. (30tli July, 1908) from tho Valuer-General to the Minister forwarding District Valuer Lewis’ (Gisborne) report 1 in which he states that run 43 could bo suitably subdivided into three lots and details of proposals to that effect, with explanatory tracing attached clearly indicating the ■ position. Memo. (30th July, 190 S) from the Minister t 0 the Under-Secretary stating that ho saw Mr. Blick and had informed him that he declined to agree to grant a renewal. Memo. (Btli August, 1908) from the Under-Secretary to the Commissioner forwarding the Valuer-General’s-report- and stating that m view of such -report that raan- 43 could he suitably subdivided into smaller -areas tho Minister cannot see his way to agreo to grant a renewal to Mr. Black. Ilesolaition (14th August, 1908) of the Land Board endorsing the Valuer-General’s report that run 43 he subdivided into three lots and offered under the optional system. Memo. (19th August, 190 S) from tlio Commissioner to Mr. Black advising liirtt that it has been finally decided that a reneaval cannot be. granted him of run 43. Memo. (19th August, 190 S) from the Commissioner to the Under-Secretary -advising tho Board lhad adopted tlie Valtter-General’s report re subdividing nr 43 into three areas, -aiad had notified Mr. Black accordingly. Telegram (Ist September, 1908) from M~. Black to the Minister re notice of offer of 900 acres of run 43 issued bv the Commissioner. Telegram (Ist September, 19081 from the Minister to Mr. Black -asking for a copy of aaotice re offer of 900 acres as stated. Telegram (Ist September, 1908) front the Under-Secretary to the Commissioner asking for copy of aaotice that Mr. Black states lie" received on authority of the Undersecretary. Memo. (Ist September, 1908), from the Commissioner sending copy of notice forwarded by him to Mr. Black and detailing circumstances of how it came to he issued. Copy of notice referred to above. Letter (3rd September, 1908) from Mr. Black to the Commissioner acknowledging receipt of the Commisaiop-

or’s letter conveying final decision that a -renewal for 43 could, not be granted and further remarks. Memo. (4bli September, 1908) from the Un-der-Secretary to tho Minister explaining positioia regarding notice sent t'o Mr. Black an connection with offer of renewal of 900 acres at an increased rental, also clearly defining tho position paused by t-ho neglect of tho Commissioner to laotify Mr. Black that the Board had altered its views respecting its former decision. Ihoreby allowing Mr. Black t 0 coia-tin-aio thinking that ho was to obtain a lease of 900 acres in -accordance with the Board’is -recommendations and detailed in notice sent to Mr. Black. Memo. (Bth September, 1908) from tho Minister to the Undersecretary forwarding cojiy of notice referred to in which it is stated that Ministerial authority avis granted to Mr. Black obtaining 900 acres and requesting tho Under-Secretary to call on the Commissioner to show the authority for his statement that the Minister approved of the recommendation of the Land Board, Telegram (10th September, 1908) from the. Un-dcr-Secrctary to the Commissioner asking authority- for his - statement that tho Minister approved of the recommendation' of the Land Board to grant Mr. Black 900 acres of run 43. Memo. (10th September, 190 S) from tho Commissioner to the Undersecretary setting forth his reasons for issuing the notice to Mr. Black. Memo. (14th September ,1908) from tho Under-Secretary to t]ie Minister forwarding particulars' ofhoav Mr. Black was notified of the approval of tho Board and the Minister respecting the proposed lease of 900 -acresMinaito (14th September, 1908.) from the Minister to tho Under-Secretary asking in view of tho mistaken meaning given to the Minister’s memo, of tho 4th March, 1908, and Mr. Black’s application for preference over one of the- areas of 900 acres or thereabout':, that it should bo given .him as a small grazing run, tho other two being put upon tho optional tenure. Memo, to tlio Commissioner (15th- September, 1908) by tho Under-Secretary asking whether a lease of 900 acres could be given to Mr. Black as a small grazing run, , etc. Memo, from the Commissioner (September 16th, 1908) to the Under-Secretary submitting.’ suggestions for the proposed subdivision of run 43, tracing attached, illustrating. proposals made oil pages 49 and 46. Memo. (22nd September, 1908) from tho Under-i Secretary to tho Minister containing summary to the Comratsrioner’s report with regard to subdivision. Minn to (22nd September. 190 S) from tho Minister to tho Un-der-Secretarv asking that proposals be ■submitted to the Board, Mr. Black to receive preference for ) 900 acres or thereabouts. Memo. (22nd September, 1908) from the Undersecretary to the Commissioner asking him t 0 place representa lions before the Board and submit the Board’s recommendation to tho Minister for consideration. RUN 45. A synopsis of correspondence relating to small grazing run No. 45. Waingaromia. S.D., is as follows: June 14tli. 1907, resolution of LandBoard’ appointing valuers to l'enort whether small grazing runs in Poverty Bav and Hawke’s Bay. distracts are suitable for subdivision. , November Ist, 1907, report ■ of Board’s Valuer-General on- run 45, which recommends that the run b-» subdivided into (three sections -and offered under die- optional .system, after acquiring Bloomfield’s land; value of improvements attached, together with explanatory tracing illustrating valuer’s, recommendation. Memo. (11th De comber, 1907) from' the Land Officer, Gisborne, to the Commissioner reporting that -run 45 was suitable , for subdivision into at least three (sections, and recommending the acquisition of Bloomfield’s land for frontage purposes. Resolution (13th December, 1908) of the Land Board adopting the valiaer’s report, and valuations resjiectii'g run 45 for the Minister's consideration. Letter (18th February, 190 S) from the Commissioner to Mr. -J. A. A. Caesar, lessee-of run 45. advising him that the Board decided to recommend for the favorable consideration of. the Minister that the run bo subdivided for closer settlemen. Memo. (10th February, 1908) froaaa the Commisioner to the "Undersecretary forwarding the valuer’s reports oia runs, which shows that' rue 45 is suitable for saibdivision, and states the Land Boai-d adopted the reports and decided to recommend them for the favorable consideration of the Minister. (Schedule giving full particulars of nans reported oia, iaaeluding 45. Memo. (22iad February, 1908) from tho Commissioner to the Under-Secretary drawing attention to the special conditions embodied in t-lic valuer’s report relating to runs which includes 43, 42, 46. and minute (4th March) of the Minister’s decision that the runs, including 4-5. he subdivided and disposed of. Memo. (sth March, 1908) from the Under-Secre-tary to the Commissioner stating that the Minister agrees that the run may be subdivided and disposed of uaader the optional system, but that the adjoining owners (Messrs Bloomfield Bros.) should be asked -if they are willing to sell their land -between the run aiad- road frontage so as to give hotter access for the proposed Subdivision. Memo. (19th March) from the Commissioner to the Under-Sec-retary advising . that the i Minister’s approval was conveyed to the Land Board and the liecessary steps taken with regard- to the acquisition of Messrs Bloomfields’ land. Memo, from the Commissioner (6th April) to the Under-Secretiry, -advising that Messrs Bloomfield Bros.’ state they arc willing to sell their laaads at £8 10s per acre, which tho Commissioner recommends could be purchased. Letter (3rd April) from Messrs Bloom-’ field Bros, to the Comiaaissioaier which contains offer to sell their land. Telegram (11 th Apia,!) from the Undersecretary to the Coinmissioiaer asking for the area of Messrs Bloomfields’ land. The Commissioner replies that the approximate area is 119 ■ acres. Minute (13th April) front tho Undersecretary to the Minister asking authority for the purchase of 119 acres at £IOOO. Minister replies to take under the Lands for Settlement Act and incorporate iiaraaaa 45. Memo. (2nd April) froan the Under-Secretary to tho Commissioner advising that the Minister has -approved,, of the proposal to paircliase-" 119 acres from Messrs Bloomfield Bros., -and instructing him to forward tracings to head ollieo with particulars, aiad at once enter into negotiations with Messrs Bloomfield Bros. . Memo. (lGtJa May) from the Commissioner to the Under l Secretary forwarding tracings avitli full particulars and stating ho will at once enter into negotiations with Messrs Bloomfield Bros- Memo. (4th May) from the Commissioner to the Under-Secretary forwarding tracing with full particulars, and reporting that tho area of the land had been reduced to 1171 acres; tracing attached referred to above. Memo. 18th May) from the Commissioner to Mr. J. A. A. Caesar, lessee of run 45, advising him that the Minister approved of the recommendation of the Land Board that' the run be subdivided for closer settlement, and opened for selection under J-ke provisions of the Land Act, to relinquish possession on 28th'Tfyfilm ary, 190 S, and -also supplying value of improvements. Memo. (4th June) front' the Unde r-S ec ret ary to the Commissioner advising that the chairman of the Land Purchase Board Commissioners was requested to enter into negotiations for the purcli ise of Messrs Bloomfields’ 117 J acres, and arrangements to be made for subdivision of run with road frontage added. Subject to Messrs Bloomfields’ approval. Memo. .(4th June) from the Under-Secretary to the chairman of the Land Purchase Commissioners asking that negotiations may be. eit-g tored into for the purchase of Messrs Bloomfields’ 117] acres. Memo. (10th Tunc) from the Land Purchase Board Carom'ssioners stating that Messrs Bloomfields’ land was worth £8 10s uer acre in view of itra position, and could not be obtained on leise. Letter from Mr. Caesar, lessee of the run 45 (12th June), to the Commissioner asking for a rehearing relative to -a renewal of lease. Resoluti'.-.n (12ih June) of Land Board grants Mr. Capsar a rehearing at- a” meeting to he held -at Gisborne 13th July. Memo. (20th June) from the Commissioner to the Under-Secretary advising that tho Board had resolved to grant the Vjsseo (Mr, Caesar) '4 rehearing at the

next mooting of tho Board. Resolution (18th July) of the Land Board • hat- in view of Mr. Caesar's appeal it was decided that Mr. Bart ram ■: accompany Mr. Simson and inspect the run and report to the Board as to lto suitability for closer settlement or otherwise.. Memo. (16th July) tiom tho Commissioner to tjic Crown Hanger, Gisborne, iiistriioting hint to arrange with Mr. Bertram to -/nut run 45 to report whether it is .iU it able for subdivision in accordance .V----wjch tlio Board’s decision. (18th July) from the Commissioner to Air. Burtram, member of tho Land Board, instructing hint to inspect and report on ratn 45 in company with the Crown Lands R inger, as decided by , the Board. Memo. (3rd August) from ho Land Office, Gisborne, to tlio Commissioner advising that owing to the resignation of Mr. Simson, Crown Lands Ranger, ho will not accompany Air. Bart ram. Mr. Brodrick suggests Mr. Butram make inspection >iid report himself. Report (14IJa Vugiist) oi Mr. Bertram recommetidmg that run 45 be. subdivided into h'O areas, ‘-he north-eastern portion °» - ; 00 acres to bo offered for selection under the optional tenure and a lease of the balance ho offered lo Mr. Cac;ar. The • adoption of this dispenses Ti-.-h the necessity of purchasing Messrs Bloomfields’ land; tracing attached to Mr. Bartram’ii report Re- s solution (14th August) of the Land Board adopting' Mr. Birlrain’s renort that the run ho cut in two as v ueaeribcd above. Memo'. (l.Sth Angus!) from the Under-Secretary to the- U Minister giving the position cf tho >tn from tho ranger's, rccommenda--1 ion to present report :ind:rccommcndalion lo present renoit and recommending tin'. rise * Valuer-General r might bo asked io obtain a special report on the run. Minute (33st August) from .the. Minister to. tho . >■ Yaluer-Gentral asking for a report on the question cf subdivision of run 45. Memo. (Ist September) from tho Undor-Sccretary to the Valuer-Gen-s-rnl giving full particulars and asking for a import on the position of run 45. Memo, (loth September) from tho Valuer-General to the Un-der-Secretary embodying District Valuer Lewis’ report on the run, which states that subdivision is not ' advisable owing to the varying nature of the land and the difficulty of getting fence-lines, and getting a secmid building site; tracing attached, to repart showing respective portion* . •af road, .indifferent' and poor land. Memo. (16*11 September) from tho ITnder-Seci'ctary to the Minister submitting the report of- ihe valuer and suggesting that tile whole position lie placed before tlio Land Board for them to decide. Minute (18th Sep- - 'ember) from the Minister to the Ur.ilea--Secretary approving of the restart of the valuer being submitted for consideration' of the Board. Memo. (27ili September) from tho Under-Secretary to the Coonmisc-ionor ,enclosing report ’of the valuer at Gisboruo on run 45 ami -his views on the question of subdivision, and that he lav it before the next meeting of , the Board so that the Board mav lie 1 in a hotter position to judge of its suitability for pastoral purposes; also explanatory tracing of the valuer’s report and asking that head ->ffiro may be supplied with Board’s decision of case.