A DEAL IN LAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1921, Page 2

A DEAL IN LAND.

CLAIM FOR £l5OO DAMAGES. MISREPRESENTATION ALLEGED. Hearing was continued in the Supreme Court, New Plymouth, on Saturday, of the claim for £l5OO damages made by Cecil H. Harrison (of Hawera) against Mrs. Mary J. Grant (Mokoia) for misrepresentation which was alleged to have been made when Mrs. Grant sold a farm to Harrison. His Honor Mr. Justice Salmond presided, and a jury of twelve had been empanelled. Mr. P. O’Dea (Hawera), with him Mr. L. A. Taylor, appeared for plaintiff, and the case on behalf of defendant was conducted by Mr. E. J. Prendergast/ (Auckland), with him Mr. W. J. Patterson, (Hawera). The case having been opened the previous day, evidence was commenced, the first witness being the plaintiff. lie deposed that, owing to the fact that the farm would not carry the stock as had been represented, he was compelled to reduce to 22 cows and 2 horses. In September he put the place back in the market at £l4O per acre. He did not know then not carry what was represented, and at that time he was also bringing on further stock. During negotiations for the purchase, Campbell (land agent) told witness: “With this place cleaned up you will get £175 per acre for it.” Cross-examined: He had about eighteen years’ experience in milking. He bought the farm for the purpose of milking, and not for speculating. He gave instructions to the agents to sell the place in April, and he was asking either £l3O or £l4O. His Honor: Was that before you took possession? Mr. O’Dea: That is quite common in South Taranaki; properties are turned over three or four times. His Honor: Well, I am glad to hear a slump is coming. Mr. O’Dea: Prices are still keeping up in South Taranaki. Butter-fat is supposed to be as good a proposition as ever. Cross-examination continuing, witness said he withdrew the instructions to sell before he took possession. He did not think that during negotiations the clause which stated that the carrying capacity was 30 cows was read to him. He remembered telling Grant shortly after he took possession that he was well satisfied with the place, and that the cows were doing very well. In March he was offered £ll6 per acre, with £2OOO cash; he accepted, but the deal did not come off. At present he did not have plenty of feed on the place. The Court rose at 1 pjn., and hearing will be resumed at 10 a.m. to-day.