a—2o,

8

being considered that, seeing the Ranger's report contained alternative proposals, it left it open for the Board to reconsider the circumstances of the case, which were shown to be similar to those connected with Small Grazing-ruri No. 12, adjoining, foi in that instance the same alternative proposals were made in the Ranger's report. The change of front attributed to the Board was considered to be justified by the provisions of the Act. and was not in any win intended to east the onus upon the Minister as inferred. Mr. Lane said he wished to know why the Minister of Lands had approved of the renewal of Small Graziui' run 42, seeing that the report was similar to that on No. 43, and Mr. Bartram expressed the opinion that he considered that they should be treated alike. I took exception to these remarks, stating it was not for the Board to question the decision of the Minister, who -was guided by the reports submitted to him : and I was supported by Messrs. Groom and Hyde therein. T then stated that the Board's proper course was to place before the Minister the fact that, .he circumstances connected with Mr. Black's case being considered similar to those of Mr. Hall's, he should be asked to reconsider tin 1 matter upon the Board's n commendation to that effect. T would here respectfully call your attention to the contents of my memo. 2459/115 a, of the 22nd February, from the latter pa it of which it will be seen that it was considered that Run 43 was referred to as similarly situated to Nor. 42 and 46. With regard to the report of the meeting of the Land Board Cas appeared in the Hawke's Bay Herald) to which you allude, T have to state that in a general way it was correct, but in this case, as frequently occurs, the actual remarks made are misquoted, and the report does not convey the full purport of what transpired. T cannot control the utterances of members, who claim the right to express their opinion upon matters they consider as bearinjr upon the business before the Board, but T am not aware that T have allowed any instance to pass unchallenged where any remarks have been made xvitb regard to the actions of the Hon. the Minister of Lands or any officer of the Department, as can bo borne out'by the members of the Board if needed, so that the charge of negliie on my part, as recorded in your memo, is not justified : and. considering T have served the Department for upwards of forty-five years, and, as far as 1 am aware, no such charge has ever been preferred against me before, I think the opportnnitv of an explanation nvipht have been afforded me in this rase before such an accusation is recorded upon the office files. Henry Trent, Commissioner of Crown Lands.

Department of Lands, Wellington. Bth July. 1908. The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Re Small Grazing-run No. 1,3, Waingaromia. In regard to Small Grazing-run No. 43, Waingaromia Survey District, leased to Mr. R. G. Black, I transmit for your information the reason, as given by the Commissioner of Crown Lands, why 'he Land Board I tided their former resolution recommending that the run should not be re-leased, but should be subdivided for settlement, and now, after again considering the ease, have reversed their former decision. The full explanation now given is in answer to my memo, of tin- 29th ultimo, which is attached below. In memo. 57766/25 (attached), conveying the Board's recommendation, no such explanation is c_riven as to the reason of their ohange of front as it was now submitted. Mr. Trent does not seem even now to apprehend the true position of the case. You were not primarily guided by the report submitted to you, but by the definite resolution of the Land Board itself. This Mr. Trent appears not to be able to comprehend, and his answer to Mr. Lane should have been clear, distinct, and straightforward : ! s the Board's own resolution which the Minister had simply approved. However, with the full explanation now given, 1 beg to recommend that the reversal of the Board's decision, and their present resolution that Mr. 1?. G. Black be offered a renewal of his lease of the run in question, be apprised Wm. C. Kensington, Under-Secretary.

Office of the Minister of Lands and for Agriculture, Wellington, 10th July, 1908 Memo, for the Valuer-General, Wellington. Re Small Grazing-run No. 43, Waingaromia. Wori.n \oit kindly report to me upon the above run now leased to Mr. R. G. Black, and whose leasein the Hawke's Hay District is now about io expire, and I am desirous of knowing from the officers of your Department whether the run is capable of subdivision. Robert McNab. Valuation Department, Wellington, 30th July, 1908. The Hon. Mr. McNab, Wellington. Small Gra-.iny-run 43 (R. G. Black). Referring to your letter of the 10th instant, I have now to forward for your information a report which 1 have received in this matter from District Valuer Lewis, of Gisborne. I ,also attach plan showing the subdivisions. I regret that, owing to the flood* of the rivers in this district, the matter has unavoidably been somewhat delayed. G. F. C. Campbell, Valuer-General. Under-Secretary. Saw Mr. Black this evening. Declined lo agree to renewal. -R. McNab. -in 7 '1908.