TELEGRAMS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1922, Page 3

TELEGRAMS

[nv TELEGriAra —PSit CRESS ASSOCIATION;

STATEMENT BY SIR EDWIN. MITCHELSON.

AUCKLAND, February 15

Com merits that have been made regarding the Government's purchase of the Motutara Estate were referred yesterday to Sir Edwin Mitchetson, late owner of the property. When questioned on the subject, Sir Edwin said the' statement as to previous negotiations made in “The Press” by Mr W. J. Hopkins of Christchurch was absolutely correct. This statement, he added was sufficient answer to the allegations made in Parliament by Mil* R. McCallum M.P., for Waira.ii. Sir Edwin said that since he sold the estate, an adjoining property which he did not regard as valuable, had been disposed of at a higher price per acre than that received for his land.

In regard to tile Government valuation of the Motutara Estate, Sir Edwin said it was not altered from the time he purchased it in its rough state of fern and ti-tree until he sold it. He understood that a new valuation had since been made. In reply t () a further question regarding the Prime Minister’s suggestion of a Commission of Enquiry, Sir Edwin said: “That is a matter for Mr Masse v to decide.”

Sir Edwin received a telegram to-day from the Hon. C. ,T. Smith, M.L.C. of Christchurch who was one of those who had negotiated for the purchase of the property prior to the Government taking it for soldier settlement. Telegraphing from Christchurch. Mr Smith says: “Sympathise with you in McOallum’s utterly unjustifiable attack, as I know something of the property in question. Will bo in Auckland next week and will call on you.” Sir Edward Mitchelson said he had had letters and telegrams from all over New Zealand since the attack was made public. MOTOR ACCIDENT. HASTINGS, Feb. 17., When motoring from Woodvillc to Hastings yesterday, Li tub rick’s taxi-car occupied by Sir James Carroll and Mr R L. Williams of Hastings, ran over the road side vbout seven miles from Hastinks, and capsized into Raupo swamp. Mr Williams has a compound fracture of the wrist. Sir James and the driver escaped with a severe shaking.