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Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3889, 16 June 1881, Page 2

The County Council have very wisely

taken afctive steps in the matter of the claims of holders of'timber leases over certain lands in this district to close the same tothe occupation of settlers. Wehave frequently in our columns called attention to the subject, and only a month ago mentioned the opinion of Sir George Grey that the claims of the lessees could not be upheld in tho Courts of Law. A great deal can be said upon this subject, and if a commission of enquiry is granted some very strange tales will be told of the way certain of the leases were obtained from, the natives, and how the Government were bamboozled in the purchase of the freehold of the same lands. It maybe to the interest of the lessees to prevent settlers occupying lands adjoining kauri forests, but if their rights to the timber are secured them, it shows selfishness on their part to prevent others from securing lands suitable for agricultural purposes.. Up the Valley of the Eauaeranga there is some very good land, and its proximity to the township renders it very valuable, and most suitable for small farmers. .•■,.-. .•. ,;