ANOTHER BIG LAND JOB.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2139, 29 January 1880, Page 3

ANOTHER BIG LAND JOB.

This is what the “ Auckland H erald ” says about the Ex Honorable John Sheehan's doings rc the Paletcre block.

"There is, however, one matter which the public will insist on knowing all about. This Paletcre block has been proclaimed by Government, and (hey have paid money upon it. Indeed so anxious were the Government to get hold of it that they bought out a company of Europeans who had formerly paid deposits on land, but those persons who have lately l " paid moneys on land have done so illegally, and are not entitled to look to Government for a single penny. All (he present ar raugements arc being made on the supposition that the Government will drop the purchase of the block. There is no reason, however, for thinking that the (iovernment will do so, and these purchasers cannot assume it. They cannot have any understanding on the subject with Ministers. By making the illegal payments to natives, however, they are taking a most effective plan to prevent (he Government from acquiring the laud. We. apprehend that on this dangerous subject the present Government will not leave themselves open to any misconstruction or suspicion, Iml, before giving up the purchase, will submit the matter to Parliament. If they do abandon (he block, it should not be to allow it to fall, like ripe fruit, into the months of certain persons, but everybody ought to be in a position to start fair.”