THE CAMBRIDGE DOMAIN LANDS.

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1734, 16 August 1883, Page 2

THE CAMBRIDGE DOMAIN LANDS.

It is now nearly two years since the leases of the Cambridge domain lauds wero disposed of by auction. Business was :nt that time in a somewhat flourishing condition, and townspeople wore casting around for villa sites, which they might secure on lease at a reasonable figure by way of rental. And not only were villa sites the desideratum, but people living within the town, especially those engaged in business, were badly in need of small paddock accomodation immediately adjacent. Both these wants the domain lands admirably suited, and, consequently, all placed in the market were disposed of, and at good rentals. In the majority of cases the terms of the leases were complied with, and the various allotments disposed of have now been fenced, cleared and laid down in grass, and in some cases built upon. There are, however, a few defaulters, who, having paid their first half year's rental, have left the district, and have neglected to comply with the terms of their lease, inasmuch as they have neither fenced nor cleared their holdings. The domain board is at present considering what stops should be taken in regard to this matter, as, not only have the lessees failed to comply with the terms of the agreement, but having deserted them, they cease to pay rent, and the board, or more properly speaking the local public, is at a loss, and their revenue must, in consequence, suffer, and fall considerably short of the estimate. A meeting of the board will be held shortly, when the course to be pursued in legard to the matter will be decided upon. They have, in fact, been moved to action by the fact that numerous applications have been made for the defaulter's allotments. As there is more than one application for some of these, they will, we have little doubt, be passed tinder the hammer, and become the property of the highest bidder. Even in cases where there is only ono applicant the deserted allotment should bo disposed of by auction, as a higher price may be got for it in this way.