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Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3683, 14 October 1880, Page 2

One of the direst land swindles erer perpetrated in this colony by the aid of political jobbery and influence has eventuated, as from our telegrams to-day wo learn that the Government have at last decided to withdraw the proclamation re the Patetere block. It will be remembered that during the terminal period of the Grey administration a great fuss was made over the block, and the benefit its acquirement by the Government would give to the public at large. It was decided to purchase Patetere, and Mr Sheehan, when Native Minister, advanced to the native owners £11,000 as part payment. This, however did not deter the Auckland Land King from also negociating with the owners, and at the beginning of last session the whole colony was astonished by bearing their legislators gravely discussing the desirability of abandoning their lien in favor of a few Northern land-sharks. The nefarious project was bravely opposed by Sir George Grey and others, and even Mr Sheehan who was professionally engaged on behalf of the aforesaid land sharks could not find it in his conscience to work against the interests of the colony at large. Sir George Grey in the course of one of his speeches in the matter, quoted the following letter written by Mr Boche of Cam* bridge, a gentleman of energy and ability, and well acquainted with the country :—

The price to be paid to the Natives it between 6i and 8s per acre. Now, if this land were cut up in lots to suit purchasers it would fetch, at the lowest valuation, £2 per acre ; so that the profit would be, on this block alone, over £600 000, which amount, if the Government had it, would enable them to do away with the property tax. .... A great part of the block is well adapted for small settlers, and would admirably suit the Thames people, who have waited so long for an opportunity.

A long and acrimonious series of debates ensued on the question, which was eventually allowed to rest without any decision being arrived at. Since the close/ of the session, however, the Bing have been successful in 'securing sufficient influence in the Ministry to induce them to withdraw the proclamation. This disreputable action should in itself be sufficient to sound the death note of the present Government, and we should not be surprised if during the next session some strong language is used over this matter. Every colonist, with the interest of his adopted country at heart, should rise and insist on the repudiation by the Government of this gigantic swindle on the people New Zealand.