BOWLED OUT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 256, 27 March 1914, Page 4

BOWLED OUT.

CHARGES OF DC.UMVISM 11EBOUND. A, SETTLER'S DISCOMFITURE. J'y Telegraphs-Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A difference of opinion oocurred at the Land Board meeting this morning between the Commissioner (Mr. H. W. Skeet) and a settler as to the fairness of expecting the latter to undertake payment of expenses in the event of certain allegations of land "dummying" being proved groundless. The settler lodged an objection to the transfer of 82!) acres in the Tauranga district. He was informed by the Comsioper that his allegations contained grave charges of "dummyism," and asked whether he would undertake to pay the expenses of the enquiry in event of the enquiry going against him. The objector replied that he was not in a position to load himself with such responsibility, anil stated his belief that it was the duty of the Commissioner to investigate such matters without expecting struggling settlers to pay. He would have to bring witnesses from long distances.

The Commissioner rejoined that such undertakings were necessary in order to ensure that trivial charges did not run the Board into unnecessary expense. "Are you prepared to pay up to £SO expenses?" asked the Commissioner. "No," was the reply. "Will you undertake to pay up to €20?" further enquired Mr. Skeel. "No," said the settler, "and I decline to answer any more questions." "1 put these questions to you," observed ihe Commissioner, "because it lias come to my knowledge that you offered to pay £2O to someone in the event of your objection being upheld," The settler protested that he had never done so, and, after consulting his solicitor. intimated that he desired to withdraw the charges. » The Commissioner (after consulting the Board): •'■The matter will not end here, and I may call upon you in another respect. The item will he adjourned until next, meeting."