The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.) WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1874.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume II, Issue 193, 5 August 1874, Page 2

The Standard AND PEOPLE'S ADVOCATE. (PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY.)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1874.

•• We shall sell to no man justice or right: We shall deny to no man justice or right: We .hall defer to no man justice or right."

'The suggestions that have been made relative to shutting tup, or more properly speaking,clearing from stock, that portion of the Patutahi Block which is most calculated to produce a crop of grass seed, have an underlying importance which, we think, might be turned to profitable account by our local authorities. The conservation of this fine land for the purposes of a seed crop, should-independ-ently of the indirect advantage accruing to the district in the shape of sale proceeds of the seed itself—be considered from a financial point of view, namely, how best to turn it into an item of revenue to the Road Board.

Under the ordinary circumstances of Provincial administration of this block by the Land Acts of the province, this duty would belong to the Auckland Government; but, fortunately, that body has nothing whatever to do in the matter, except to take a net credit for as large a slice of the proceeds as it cau get. As the only other body, having a direct interest in fliis question, is the Poverty Bay District Highway Board, we desire to draw attention to the advisability of immediate communication being opened up by the Chairman of the Board with the General Government, with a view to negotiating for a portion of the block being handed over for local control. Possibly, ere this, Capt. Pokier may have received instructions from the Government, based upon the recommendations he has already mace. Should such be the case, the way will

have been already paved ; and but little diplomacy will be required to secure the authority necessary for the Road Board, or some one else appointed by, and representing the General Government, to deal with it. We conceive that if the Government readily acquiesce in the suggestion that further trespass on the Patutahi Block shall cease, or that the laud be- leased for the season, they would not, in the interest, of this district, object to the Road Board dealing with it, and so turn the proceeds into its own coffers. The Board might either lease the laud en bloc, or it could grant licenses for subdivisional allotments as may be required. The former plan is the better, as the latter would entail much incidental labor and expense. It is estimated that there are from 3,590 to

4000 acres available for grass cropping. Considering the prices paid for renting land for grass seed harvesting, range from Lss. to 40s. au acre, we do not think it an excessive expectation to calculate on obtaining a rental of ss. an acre for the Patutahi fiats. Taking the very lowest computation, (and allowing a good margin for scrub, &e.) say 3000 acres, we find the sum of £750 which would be a very acceptable addition to our local funds. At any rate, whatever the correct figure-working may be, we incline to the belief that the General Government will hand this land over for the purpose indicated ; aud the best method of making it a paying business transaction, is worth something more than a passing consideration.

Perhaps the surest means to secure this boon to the district, would be for the Board to depute their Chairman, and Capt. Read, who, we understand, are about to visit Wellingtou, to represent the matter to the Government, and urge the claims of the settlers in this and other directions; claims which, if they be vigorously pressed by an apt illustration of the present disgraceful state of the trunk lines of road, must bo valid, and will, doubtless, rece ve that due and prompt attention which the peculiar circumstances of the position of this district, indubitably merit.