IMPORTANT LAND SALE AT GERALDINE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2116, 25 October 1890, Page 3

IMPORTANT LAND SALE AT GERALDINE.

At the Volunteer Hal 1 , Geraldine, yeatarcLy, Messrs H. B. Webster and Co. offered for sale ttie well-known Rauknpuka Estate. The sale was one *of the largest sales of private property that has been held in South Canterbury, and a great deal of interest was taken in it, the attendance being very largo. Lunch, which was laid out in the Volunteer Hall, being over, a start was made »t 12 o’clock. Each person present was provided with a map of the estate and the printed conditions of sale. Mr J. Hay, aolioitor, read over the conditions, and bri* fly and c'early explained their exact meaning. Before proceeding lo sell Mr Webster made a few remarks. He scarce y liked occupying the position he did as it reminded him ot the fact that one of their leading colonists was talking of leaving New Zealand, He spoke of the immense amount of wo>k Mr Postleth waite had done on behalf of Geraldine, but now ha was about to leave the colony. Only one of hia sons waa farming, and he felt that the whole onus of looking after the estate was, at his time of life, rather too much. Mr Webster then went on to speak of the quality of the laud he was abeut to offer, the excellent way in which it had been farmed, and the abundant and aplendid supply of water upon it. He pointed out that all that waa needed to maka the colony aueoeed was a large population, and after having spoken for some time concluded amidst applause. The result of the sale waa as follows : Lot 12—209 acres 23 perches, with 6-roomed house, sheds, yard*, &c.: Mr Wilkinson, «t £l4 10s per acre. Lot. 18 -336 acres, w'th 100 acres in wheat ; Mr T. Ge«ney, at £ls per acre. Lot 19—Containing 181 acres ; Mr J. McQuillan, at £ll 2s 6<i per acre. Lot 20—133 acres: Mr A. Lysaght, £ls 15s Lot 1—92 acres : Passed in at £l4 15*. Lot 2—92 acres Canadian oata ; Mr W, Palmer, £ls. Lot 4 —65 acres, moat in turnips ; Mr G. South, at £ls 2s 6d. Lot 5 240 acres : Mr Kelman, £llloa. Lot 3—109 acres : Passed in at £l3 15s. Lot IS—53 acres : Passed in at £6. Lot 17 —17 notes; Mr W. S. Helem, £T 10s. Lot 6—Passed in at £2 10s. Lot 10—99 acres ; Mr Praltley, £6l6s. Lot 9 —9O acres of oats and clover : Passed in at £6 2s 6d, Lot 11—140 acres ; Passed in,

The homestead lot passed in at £ll 5s

The bidding throughout was spirited aod competition keen. Id most cases where the land was passed in the highest bidder was within a few shillings of the owner’s reserve, and Mr Webster stated (hat he would in all cases have the privilege of the first refusal of the land at the owner’s reserve at the conclusion of the sale. Altogether 1745 acres of the estate have now been sold. The auctioneers have also an offer for the homestead block at a price within a few shillings of the owner’s reserve, and expect to dispose of it to-day. Should this offer be accepted, the 900 acres opposite is also disposed of. as a satisfactory offer has been made for it. Section at the corner of Talbot and William streets, Geraldine, with shops thereon, elioittd no bid. Messrs Muadell & Co. offered four town sections, with stables and outbuildings, but they were passed in at £llO.