BLOCK 5a ENQUIRY.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 2063, 14 August 1875, Page 2

BLOCK 5a ENQUIRY.

James Garvey appeared this morning at the Warden's Office to giro his evidence regarding the grievances alleged by the inhabitants of this block. He sad, I was holder of a miner's right in 1868, which I bold up to the present time. I made an application for a residence site in June, 1868, but the application was not entertained. I was in occupation of the fi-te then, pegging out under a miner's light, and have been in occupation ever since. I occupied the site for four years before I knew there was any other claimant It is 597 on the plan of Grahamstown of 17th' September, 1869. After I had lived on the ground four years, Mr Graham sent me a notice to take out a lease or pay rent. Before I paid the rent, I went with McGregor and Kerr to Superintendent Williamson; who told me he would put the thing righHf possible. Mr Graham threatened to sue, as I did: not pay rent. This was about two years ago. I went again to the Superintendent, who told us he couldnot prevent Mr Graham ejecting us, but, that he would end savor to obtain compensation for us.* So I took a lease from Mr Graham at £4 a year. I have paid £8 up to the present time.

Alexander Connon said—l am a gardener. I came to the Thames in 1868. In 18701 purchased a residence site and building from Alexarder Hanlon for £28. I got a miner's right then under the Act of 1866. But I could not get a certificate at the Warden's office. The reason given was that the properly was then Mr Graham's. lam the person who gave £8 to Hanlon in addition for another building on the same allotment as marked out by Mr Graham. I hold both now from Mr Graham, ani pay rent for them, and three other allotments at £12 a year. My son-in-law Nicholas Dunstan gave £15 for a house on the same allotment, expecting to get a title under a miner's right, but failed for the same reason. '

No other complainants appeared, but as will be seen by advertisement in another column the Warden will be prepared to hear any further complaints at his office on Wednesday next at 11 o'clock.