A COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 March 1916, Page 4

A COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS.

EULOGISED BY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, By Telegraph.—Press Association. Napier, March 28. Sterling references, testifying ito the ability of Mr. W. H. Skinner, Commissioner df Crown Lands for Hawke's BAy, who leaves on Thursday on transfer to Christchurch, were made at today's Land Board meeting, when all the members present paid tributes to his undeniable interest in settling the land, and expressed deep regret at losing him. Mr. j?. B. Ross, representative of Crown tenants, said it was to be regretted that the promotion scheme of the Department necessitated Mr. Skinner's transfer to Christchurch. It was a most unfortunate thing that the classification scheme in many cases had the c/Foct of being against the interests of

the public generally. If a man occupied tlie position of Crown Lands Commissioner Hn any district for a less period than live years, the best use was not being made of his services. Mr. Skinner had boon here for two years, and was possssed of tlie actyal requirements of the settlers, yet under this promotion scheme and the Commisisoner's transfer to Canterbury, tlie people of this district nnd the Dominion generally, were losing the benefit of the.knowledge he had acquired. He trusted Mr. Skinner's services would be of as great value to the people of Canterbury as they would have been had he remained in this district. The Commissioner had always done his utmost to further the interests of the Crown tenants whom lie (Mr. Ross) represented. Mr. Skinner, in reply, briefly thanked the members of the board for their kind remarks, and said he had tried his best during his stay in Ilawke's Bay. He had always endeavored to meet the wishes of [ settlers bv going to investigate any matters that .arose, and seeing for himself the prevailing conditions. A Commissioner should have sympathy with those who were battling and breakingin new country.