THE HINE INQUIRY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10142, 12 November 1910, Page 5

THE HINE INQUIRY.

TE AKAU BLOCK. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 10. Before the Bine Committee, William Charles Kensington, UnderSecretary of the Lands Department, stated that the minimum price for To. Aka.u block was not decided, on account of a deed in which Mr Kaihau was to receive ten per cent, if the property realised not less than £2 per acre. Mr Duncan, the valuer, was advised of the price, so that he could allocate the value of different parts of the block, to tin average of £2 over the whoio. Witness gave definite instructions that the Act must be adhered to, and the payments wore made to the vendors direct.

Replying to Sir Josoph Ward, witness said that Mr Soddon. had never mentioned Mi- Kaihau to him in connection with the acquirement of To Akivu. Xn payment was ever made to a, member of Parliament by tlie Department in connection with the acuuirement of native land. Mr Carroll told witness to he careful to par no one hut the vendors.

To Mr Massoy. witness said lie did not know that Mr Kaihau took an active part in the House in having an Appellate Court set up to decide the ownership of the block, or that the unsuccessful party in the appeal comprised those who had objected to Mr Kaihau appearing; in the negotiations.