WARDEN’S COURT

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1927, Page 3

WARDEN’S COURT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER Bth. (Before Warden Meldruin.) 11. Steele (Mr Park) residence site, half acre, Goldsborough.—Granted. P. H. It. Olson (Mr Murdoch) for water race.—Granted, subject to conditions. Same, for two clams.—Granted. Jus. Woolhouse (Mr Sellers) ordinary alluvial claim.—Granted; subject to work not affecting County road. Same, for license for Water race.— Granted. 11 avi 11 and party (Mr Murdoch) for alluvial claim. Callaghans.—Granted. Stuart and Chapman, Ltd. (Mr Murdoch) v. W. De Bakker and others, suit for forfeiture.—Adjourned to Ross Court.

H. C. Newman (Mr Murdoch) for residence site, Waiho. Objection by Forest Service (Mr Kitchingham). Evidence was given by tbe Conservator of Forests (A. D. McGavock) that the area was outside the township area laid out at Waiho. Of that area only 16 sections had been taken up out of 30 acres available, and the Department was of opinion all the buildings should he erected in that area. To Mr Murdoch—The granting o! this quarter of an acre would interfere with the scenic . surroundings. Tins' question to-day was whether tho Warden had jurisdiction to grant the area. In his opinion it would he against the public interest to grant this applicar tiou.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands 'W. C. Morpeth) gave evidence of having considered the application and the Land Board recommended the grant, hut the head office at Wellington turned the application down. There are only a few small trees and second growth on the area. He was of opinion there was no reason for the area being granted. It would be a puhli convenience for a garage to bo erected there. He thought it was rather ridiculous that the area should ho refused on the grounds of scenic interference. To Mr Kitchingham—He thought the objection to the application were rather trivial. The sections at present sold had no buildings erected thereon. Harry C. Newman gave evidence of his application for the area in question. He had also n share in a claim at Waiho and with his partner would use the residence site. D. J. Evans gave evidence that he thought it would he in the best interests of the public and district to grant the application and give Newmans every possible assistance. The Court adjourned at 12.50 p.m. and resumed at 2 p.m. Counsel addressed the Warden at some length, the latter stating the matter was of considerable importance and he would reserve his decision till next sitting.