MR BEETHAM AND THE LAND BOARD.

Pahiatua Star and Eketahuna Advertiser, Volume 1, Issue 35, 5 October 1886, Page 2

MR BEETHAM AND THE LAND BOARD.

(to thb tnrroa.) Sea,—l notice in vour issue of September Ist you reprint a paragraph from the N. Z. Tunes relating to an incident that occurred at the last meeting of the I*and Board at Wellington. The paragraph referred to an application by telegraph from an applicant for a leasehold section to be allowed to withdraw hie application. When the matter came before the Hoard there was no information to show when the telegram was received. Mr McCardle moved lliat the tenderer be allowed to withdraw bis tender. I slated that I did not think the K>ard ha<l power to allow anyone to withdraw if the application was in order, because I did not consider the Land Act gives the Board any discrectionary power in such a case. Mr Reese then raised the question as to whether or not the tendorer had telegraphed asking leave to withdraw his tender before his tender liad been opened by the Board. lat once admitted fiat if this were so the position haa entirely altered, and that the application should be considered. As th* Commissioner was absent it was agreed to postpone the question until hi* return, when the Board would be able to consider the point* at issue with all necessary information re dates and precedents, Ac. This may apt-car to some a minor matter, but I should not like my constituents to consider that I wish to force any man to adhere to an unfair bargain with the State or to become a sufferer from any misunderstanding of our land laws ; and at tho same time 1 should wish it to be understood that as a member of the Land Board, I consider that it is my duty to assist in administering tho Land Act without fear or favor.—l am, Sir, yours very truly, Groroe Hketium. Hastings, Sept. 27th, IHH6.